"Gudi Padwa"- A Celebration of Triumph, Prosperity, and New Beginnings

'Gudi Padwa', also known as Hindu New Year, falls on the first day of the Chaitra month and marks the beginning of a new year as per lunisolar calendar. This year, it's falling on ‘9th April ‘24.’

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Gudi Padwa” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Gudi Padwa on Tuesday, April 9 ‘24

• Pratipada Tithi Begins - 11:50 PM on Apr 08 ‘24
• Pratipada Tithi Ends - 08:30 PM on Apr 09 ‘24

As Marathi Shaka Samvata 1946 Begins on 9 April ‘24, this occasion of “Gudi Padwa” is also known by the name “Samvatsar Padvo.”

Let's explore the astrological significance :

• In the 60-year cycle in Vedic Mundane astrology known as Samvatsara, the Vedic New Year begins on the 9th April ’24. The new Vedic calendar, the Hindu new year is known as ‘Krodhi’, which means ‘wrath’ or ‘anger’.
• The ruling planets for this year are Mars and Saturn, hence it's going to be a period of heightened challenges and uncertainties. Experts point out this year as the year of extremes.
  We are likely to witness turbulence and disruptions across various spheres. Economically, the world might experience a slowdown, posing challenges for growth and stability.
• With the new moon in Pisces, having influence of Rahu, and the conjunction of Saturn and mars, hint an increased likelihood of natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes, and floods.
• The Year of Krodhin is described as follows:
  Krodhī (क्रोधी) refers to the thirty-eighth of the sixty-year cycle of Jupiter, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 8), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy (Jyotiṣa). Accordingly, “The first year of the next yuga sacred to Viśvedeva is Śobhakṛt; the next year is known as Subhakṛt; the third is Krodhī; and the remaining years are known as Viśvāvasu and Parābhava. During the first two years, mankind will be happy; during the third, they will feel exceedingly miserable and during the last two years they will be neither happy nor miserable; but in the year Parābhava there will be fear from fire and suffering from weapons and disease; the Brāhmins and cows will also suffer.”
  Source: The effect of Samvatsaras: Satvargas
  Krodhin (क्रोधिन्) refers to the thirty-eighth saṃvatsara (“jovian year)” in Vedic astrology. The native born in the ‘samvatsara’ of ‘krodhin’ is cruel-eyed, cruel-natured, has great love for his wife and is dear to her, is extremely haughty or proud, puts obstacles in the way of some other person and is hot-tempered or prone to anger. According to Jataka Parijata, the person born in the year Krodhin (2024-2025 AD) will be an adulterer, addicted to evil ways, crafty, and of an angry temperament. (Wikipedia, https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/krodhin.
• Numerologically, the year 2024 adds to number 8. The new moon in Pisces, Pratipada tithi begins at 11.50pm on 8th April ’24. The total solar eclipse is happening on the 8th April ’24, at 25 degrees of Pisces. Planet Mars will conjunct the eclipse point on the 26th May which again adds to number 8.

As we all are aware, number 8 is ruled by planet ‘Saturn’, whom we consider as a strict teacher. We are certainly going to experience certain events which will be challenging and remembered. Avoid travels, important activities around the above mentioned dates. Be cautious!!

• Amidst these challenges, it's essential to approach this period with mindfulness and caution, while also seeking guidance from spiritual practices and wisdom traditions to find inner strength and clarity amidst external chaos. If you want to immerse yourself in a peaceful mindfulness session with guided meditation, check out our Mindfulness Practitioner app at https://www.mindfulnesspractitioner.com/. The first five audio sessions are on us!
• As we navigate through Vikram Samvat 2081, let us remain vigilant, compassionate, and united in our efforts to overcome challenges and create a more resilient and harmonious future.

Being very close to the heart of Maharashtrians, it's known by various names at different places such as Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala, Ugadi in south Indian states, Navreh in Jammu & Kashmir and Pahela Baishakh in West Bengal.

The word 'Gudi' stands for 'flag' & the word 'Padwa' comes from Sanskrit term 'pratipada' meaning 'the first day of a lunar fortnight (Chaitra month). This day holds an immense significance of many past events. It marks the arrival of Shri Ram along with Sita Mata & Lakshmana to Ayodhya after gaining victory over LankaPati Ravana. As the Sun is above the intersecting point of the Equator, this day also marks the beginning of Spring & harvest of Rabi crops. This holy occasion is also considered as the day when Lord Brahma re-created the universe. Maharashtrians celebrate this day as an honor to Shivaji Maharaja on winning over the Mughal dominance in their region. It also marks the victory of King Shalivahan. Hence Gudi dhwaj (also called Brahma Dhwaj) is hoisted outside of all the households on this day as an emblem of triumph and prosperity. Basically, it's a bamboo stick covered with yellow or saffron cloth with mango and neem leaves, sugar crystals, garland of flowers and a Kalash on the top. Each element of this Gudi dhwaj marks positive vibes in all aspects. It is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house.

On this day, Lord Brahma & Lord Vishnu are worshiped along with Gudi. Prayers are offered to the Lord. Some keep havan at their homes as well. Rangolis are also made. Maharashtrian ladies wear Nauvaari sarees also. People carry 'Gudi Kawad' to the local Shiva temples as well. A special dish is made out of neem leaves and sweet sugar as a reminder of life's sweet and bitter experiences. It also symbolizes the health benefits of neem-based mixture. Many other festive dishes like Shrikhand and Puran Poli are also made on Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa also marks the internal core of the Sun to be highly active and during sunrise, anyone can absorb the divine consciousness coming out of the Sun. It will be stored in the body cells for a longer time and can be used whenever required.

On the day of Gudi Padwa, the tradition of starting something new is very beneficial. Many people inaugurate their new companies, buy gold, and pray from the Almighty to bless their whole year ahead with wisdom and spirituality. Serving water to the needy is also fruitful on this day.