Know how gudi padwa festival is celebrated in various parts of India differently.

1. Celebration of Gudi Padwa Festival
Gudi Padwa festival is holy occasion for Hindus as it marks the beginning of a New Year, new month and
new day. It falls on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, also known
as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It is believed that Lord Brahma forged the Universe on this day and hence
Hindus see this day as one that has a lot of significance. The celebration on this day is started with a
good bath and then doing the ritualistic worship. The main tradition is decorating the main door with
garlands and torans and the hoisting of the Gudhi or the Dharma Dhwaj (a flag)
This day is known by many names in many regions. In Maharashtra it is called Gudi Padwa (Pad means
moving towards perfection and Vaa means that which increases growth), and in Karnataka and parts of
Andhra Pradesh it is called Ugadi or Yugaadi. Scholars believe that the Lord’s creation of the Universe is
moving towards perfection and moving towards every year. More is created or added each year to fill up
the imperfections. Hence Padwa is the day when Brahma perfected the creation of the universe. When
the tradition of raising the Gudi on this day became a norm, this day began to be known as Gudi Padwa.
(Gudi Padwa or Ugadi 2016 will be on the 8th
of April. Pratipada Tithi Begins - 16:53 on 7th
April and
ends - 13:05 on 8th
April)
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada Significance
As per Vedic scriptures it is believed that a new universe is created after each cosmic vibration. This day
was called the Padvaa and now known as Gudi Padwa. It is said that the Earth was initially covered by
water and at the start of summer Lord Surya or the Sun God began His penance and His radiance
increased manifold. After His penance completed one-fourth of the Earth’s water evaporated. This
period is nowadays called summer season. As Surya Dev reverted to His original state the heat
decreased progressively. The evaporation of water led to the discharge of many gases that formed the
Earth’s atmosphere. Aided by these gases the Earth’s surface was soon engulfed with trees and vines.
This day is thought of as the manifestation of the Universe by Lord Brahma.
Gudhi or Dharma Dhwaj Significance

2. The common tradition this day is to hoist an inverted small round copper pot on a bamboo stick that
touches the ground. The stick symbolizes the spine (as the bamboo has vertebrae like the human spine)
and the pot the human head. This totem which is worshiped and raised as a flag in every house is known
as the Dharma Dhwaj. It is believed to capture the positive cosmic energies and transmit them to the
ground that ensures the welfare of the household. The cosmic energies include the Prajapati
frequencies and the Tejtattva (fire) element which forms the divine consciousness also known as the
Chaitanya. It is transmitted during sunrise and has a long lasting effect. These energies are not only
dispersed in the home but are also stored in the human body for later use. Hence the ideal time for
hoisting and worshiping the Gudhi is during sunrise.
Take a Look on the Importance of Mango and Neem Leaves in Gudhi
Mango Leaves: The mango leaves have the spiritually pure Sattva component in them and is useful in
attracting the divine consciousness. They are tied at the tip of the Gudhi. The leaves chosen should be
tender rather than the mature ones. The presence of the fire element is more in these tender leaves.
Neem Leaves: Neem symbolizes the frequency of the Sattva. Tender Neem leaves tied around the flag in
the form of a garland attracts the Prajapati frequencies transmitted on Gudi Padwa.