In the spring season, coinciding with the harvest of Rabi crops, Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the New Year for Konkani and Marathi Hindus, observed on the first day of the Chaitra month in the lunisolar calendar, usually falling in March or early April in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is marked by vibrant celebrations, including the adornment of colourful rangolis and people joyfully traversing on bikes and cars, sporting sunglasses and carrying Gudi flags, symbolising Lord Brahma's flag according to the Brahma Purana, signifying the creation of time and the universe. These flags are believed to bring good luck and ward off negativity.
Additionally, the festivities feature processions showcasing historical and mythical figures like Subhash Chandra Bose and Lord Shiva, accompanied by various cultural activities. Women enthusiastically participate by playing cymbals, contributing to the jubilant atmosphere of Gudi Padwa, which exudes both maturity and enjoyment.
Date & Venue of Gudi Padwa 2024
Gudi Padwa typically falls in March or April, marking the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, the festival of Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on 9th April 2024 in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Goa, as well as in other regions with significant Marathi and Konkani populations.
History of Gudi Padwa
Historically speaking, this festival goes by the name of Samvatsar Padvo and signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana i.e. victory of good over evil. And as we all are aware that the symbol of victory is always held high in every religion, so is the Gudi flag during Gudi Padwa.
According to Anne Feldhaus, an eminent professor of religious studies, Gudi Padwa has always been linked to Lord Shiva’s dance as well as the coming together of the Hindu community personifying unity in diversity.
Talking about the word Padava or Padwa, it has been taken from the Sanskrit language word Pratipad which is considered as the first day when the moon appears after the Amavasya night.
Interesting Facts of Gudi Padwa
- Did you know that Gudi Padwa symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahana who was a legendary Satvahana King of ancient India!
- The Gudi Flag also represents the Indradhvaj.
- Did you know that Gudi Padwa is also celebrated in Manipur? Over there, it has been named Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.
- It is also celebrated in Kashmir by the Kashmiri Hindus and the Pandit Community.
- In Punjab, the festival of Gudi Padwa is celebrated as Baisakhi which falls on the 13th or on 14th April. In Bengal, it is observed as Naba Barsha in Assam as Bihu, in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Putuhandu.
Major Attractions of Gudi Padwa
1. The Rituals Observed on Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa begins with an oil bath by the people, which is then followed by offering prayers. People also consume neem leaves during puja. The best part is when various individuals can be seen carrying the Gudi flag and hoist it on their houses, and bikes.
This flag is made up of bright and colorful silk cloth which is tied atop the bamboo stick. This stick is also capped with a silver or bronze pot or Kalash that again signifies the victory of good over evil.
2. Celebrations of Gudi Padwa
With the onset of Gudi Padwa, people start the day by cleaning their homes with great devotion. Everyone wears new traditional attire. Especially, the women folk dress very beautifully in their traditional clothes which mainly include Paithani and Nauvari sarees. Talking about food, people generally celebrate this day by preparing scrumptious dishes like Shrikhand, Poori, and Pooran Poli. Gudi Padwa is one of the important festivals of Maharashtra, that is celebrated with great joy and happiness.
How to Reach
Celebrated throughout Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is a one-of-its-kind festival. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra is situated at a distance of 1,416, 980, 2,225, 712 km from Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad respectively. Let’s see how we can reach here by the following means of transportation.
By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), earlier known as the Sahara International Airport is the major airport serving Mumbai and its nearby areas. It is the second busiest airport in India after Delhi airport. This airport has two terminals - Terminal 1 and 2.
Terminal 1 is Santa Cruz used for handling domestic flights and the second one - Terminal 2, handles international flights.
Many airlines operate to and fro this airport from various Indian cities. This terminal is known for handling about 40 million passengers. Here is how you can reach Mumbai by air.
- Delhi - Board AirAsia, IndiGo, Spicejet, Go Air from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.3,000
- Lucknow - Board Go Air, Air India, IndiGo from Lucknow Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.4,000
- Nagpur - Board IndiGo, Air India flights from Nagpur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.4,000
- Hyderabad - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Air India flights from Hyderabad Airport. The airfares start from Rs.3,000
- Surat - Board Spicejet, IndiGo, Air India from Surat Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.3,000
- Indore - Board Air India, IndiGo, Air Asia, Go Air, Vistara from Indore Airport. The airfares are starting from Rs.3,000
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can also consider traveling via road. The road networks connecting Mumbai are very well-maintained. Here is how you can reach here by road.
- Pune - 150 km via Mumbai-Pune Highway
- Nashik - 165 km via NH160
- Ratnagiri - 454 km via NH66 or Nh48
- Goa - 582 km via NH48
- Panaji - 572 km via NH 48 or NH 66
- Mangalore - 912 km via NH66
You can also consider traveling via interstate buses to reach Mumbai. The Mumbai Central Bus Station is the primary bus terminus situated in the center of Mumbai. From this terminus, you can easily board buses (luxury, semi-luxury, passenger, or express) of MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation).
By Train
The main train station is the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus. A few years ago, it was known as the Victoria Terminus. It is no less than a historic train station and did you know that it is even considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The city of Mumbai is very well connected by the train network. If you are coming from the Central, Western, or Eastern Part of Mumbai, then you should be deboarding at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. However, if you are traveling here from the northern side, then you must consider deboarding here at the Mumbai Central Station. After you deboard at the station, you will need to cover the further distance by cab to reach your respective destination.
- Delhi - Take Mumbai Rajdhani and deboard at the Mumbai Central
- Hyderabad - Board Rajkot Express or Konark Express via Secunderabad Junction
- Visakhapatnam - Board Konark Express via Visakhapatnam railway station
- Ahmedabad - Board Shatabadi Express from Ahmedabad Junction and deboard at the Mumbai Central
- Varanasi - Board Mahanagari Express from Varanasi Junction and deboard at the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
- Lucknow - Board Pushpak Express from Lucknow NE and deboard at the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner.
Conclusion
Gudi Padwa stands as a beacon of hope and renewal, ushering in the Hindu New Year with joyous celebrations and cultural significance. As families gather to partake in rituals and festivities, the festival reinforces the values of unity, prosperity, and gratitude. With colourful decorations adorning homes and the rhythmic beats of traditional music filling the air, Gudi Padwa fosters a sense of community and togetherness.
Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the promise of new beginnings. As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, Gudi Padwa encapsulates the spirit of optimism and resilience, inspiring us to embrace the future with enthusiasm and determination. So, if you wish you immerse your soul in the heavenly magic of this festival, then book now with adotrip.com, your one-stop destination for all kinds of travel-related solutions!
With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gudi Padwa 2024
Q1. Where is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
A1. Gudi Padwa is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Maharastra and Goa.
Q2. when is gudi padwa in 2024?
A2. 9 Apr, 2024
Q3. How is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
A3. Gudi Padwa is celebrated with the decoration of homes with colourful rangoli, hoisting Gudi flags, exchanging sweets and gifts, and performing traditional rituals.
Q4. What is the second name for Gudi Padwa?
A4. The second name for Gudi Padwa is Ugadi, mainly celebrated in the southern Indian states.
Q5. Who started Gudi Padwa?
A5. Gudi Padwa has ancient origins rooted in Hindu traditions and doesn't have a specific individual credited with its inception.
Q6. Which God is celebrated in Gudi Padwa?
A6. Gudi Padwa primarily celebrates Lord Brahma, the creator according to Hindu mythology.
