4 legends associated with the spring festival of Gudi Padwa
If you have grown up in Maharashtra, Goa or Madhya Pradesh, you may be acquainted with the spring festival of Gudi Padwa. It marks the traditional new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus and celebrates the coming of spring. Gudi Padwa is usually observed on the first day of the month of Chaitra. This year, it is on 22nd March and has coincided with the vernal equinox. It is mostly celebrated with rangoli, street processions, dancing, music and festive foods. People worship ‘gudhi dvaja’ or ‘gudi kavads’ with an upturned silver or copper vessel covered with a vibrant saree or dhoti like thing, flowers, mango and neem leaves, and a garland made of sugar crystal called ‘gathi.’ Usually, the day coincides with a full moon, when the lunar halo is at its peak. Interestingly, ‘gudi’ refers to flag (bright and colourful silk scarf-like cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo and erected at the entrance of each house) while ‘padwa’ comes from the Sanskrit term ‘pratipada’ meaning the first day of a lunar fortnight. On this auspicious day, the ‘gudi’ is often hoisted, thus giving the festival its name. Today, we will tell you about some of the legends associated with Gudi Padwa.
The legend of Lord Rama
The Marathi and the Konkani Hindus believe that the ‘gudi’ or the flag historically symbolises the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana of Lanka in the Hindu epic The Ramayana. In fact, it also marks the coming of home for Lord Rama and his family to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile. People believe that just like a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the ‘gudi.’ The festival thus commemorates the coronation of Lord Rama following his return.
Lord Brahma and the creation of universe
As all Hindus believe, Lord Brahma was the creator of this universe and time. Now, as per Brahma Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas in Sanskrit, it was on the day of Gudi Padwa that Brahma gave birth to the universe. In fact, the ‘gudi’ symbolises Brahmadhvaj or Brahma’s flag.
The legend of King Shalivahana
You must have read about the ancient Indian emperor Shalivahana who ruled Pratishthana or the present-day Maharashtra. In fact, he was believed to be God’s representative on earth for the Paithan people. Legends have it that his kingdom was once invaded by King Vikramaditya. However, eventually, he claimed it back by slaying the evil opponent. It is believed the festival of Gudi Padwa marks his victory and the hoisting of ‘gudi’ represents his return to home. Some people also believe that the occasion is a celebration of Shalivahana’s victory over the Han invaders from erstwhile China.
The dance of Lord Shiva
In the rural areas of Maharashtra, it is also believed that Gudi Padwa is associated with Shiva’s dance. In fact, the community unites to carry the gudi kavads to the local Shiva temple and performs his famous Lasya (the gentle form) dance linked with the creation of the world. While coming back, they do the other dance called Ananda Tandava (the blissful, vigorous form) to mark the official commencement of the festival.