Breakfast, Paratha/Flatbread
Sanika Khadilkar
Aloo Paratha
Aloo Paratha

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is an auscipious day and new year for Maharashtrian community. It marks the begining of spring. This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra according to Hindu Lunar calendar. It is also celebrated in other parts of India with different names like 'Ugadi' and 'Cheti Chand'.

Why Gudi Padwa is celebrated:

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe. So, Gudi is a symbol of Brahma's Flag. It also symbolizes Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Gudi represents the victory flag. Also, it is believed that Lord Rama returned to 'Ayodhya', his kingdom after completing 14 years of exile. In short, Gudi Padwa is the festival which brings prosperity, good luck and symbolizes victory over evil.

How do we host Gudi:

The important parts of Gudi are:

  • wooden stick
  • Bright colour cloth with brocade
  • Mango leaves or Neem Leaves
  • Flower Garland
  • Sugar candy garland which is also known as Gathi
  • Sliver or copper pot

A plated, bright colour cloth is tied to the wooden stick along with garlands, and leaves. A 'Swastika' symbol with 'Kumkum' (Vermilion) is drawn on the silver pot and it is placed in an inverted position. Gudi is hoasted outside the house in the early morning usually at the time of sunrise. Gudi is worshiped with 'Haldi Kumkum'. Houses are decorated with red and yellow marigold flowers and colourful rangolis. Maharashtrians usually wear traditional attire.

Sugar candy garland

Maharashtrian Traditional Saree and jewellery

Gudi Padwa Special Food:

Any festival is incomplete without a special desserts. There is a huge diversity in India and each community has its own special food prepared for festivals. In Maharashtra, On Gudi Padwa, usually 'Shrikhand-Puri' is prepared in Maharashtrian households. But there are some other desserts which are prepared in different regions of Maharashtra. Some of them are:

Here is my Gudi Padwa Thali:

Puri,Shrikhand,Tomato Saar,Masale bhaat,Koshimbir,Batata Bhaji, Varan-Bhat

Chaitra Gauri Haldi Kumkum:

Chaitra Gauri Haldi kumkum festival is celebrated from the third day after Gudi Padwa for a month. Here are some of the glimpses of my celebration:

https://www.forknscissors.com/recipes/chaitra-gauri-haldi-kumkum-ceremony

Shrikhand

Ingredients:

  • 2 yogurt tin (32oz each)
  • 2-2½ cup sugar
  • Saffron
  • Nutmeg powder or cardamom powder to taste

Method:

  1. Get a muslin or cheese cloth and add yogurt in it. Tie together the edges of a chesse cloth and hung it for about 7-8 hours. Put the pan or a container under it to collect the excess drained water.
  2. After 8 hours, untie the cloth and transfer the yogurt to another pan. This yogurt is called Chakka.
  3. Add powder sugar to it and mix well. There should not be any lumps.
  4. If you have Puran yantra, then add the Chakka and sugar in it. and blend it properly.
  5. Add saffron, nutmeg powderor cardamom powder and give a quick stir.
    Garnish with slivered almonds. chopped pistachio.
  6. Keep it in the refrigerator. Serve chill.