As the country gears up to celebrate Chaitra Navratri today, celebrations for Gudi Padwa are in full swing in Maharashtra and Goa. Gudi Padwa marks the traditional new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus.
“It’s the beginning of a new year in our Marathi calendar. The gudi that we put outside the door is a symbol of success, a sign of our raising standards of life and prospering in life. On this day I dress up in the traditional Maharashtrian attire, do the pooja and prepare delicious food and sweets for my family. According to me, it is one of the brightest day that brings in a lot positivity. I would like to wish everybody a very happy Gudi Padwa and hope this New Year brings in a lot of happiness and laughter-" Anuja Sathe, aka Janaki in Khoob Ladi Mardaani Jhansi Ki Rani.
Manav Gohil aka Hanumant Singh in Kesari Nandan: “Every year our entire family comes together and we arrange a special pooja for the day. The celebration of the Gudi Padwa festival is related to prosperity and well-being, I thank God for giving me all that he has and I hope he continues to shower his blessings upon my family and me. I wish all my viewers a very happy and prosperous new year.”
Sonali Naik aka Savitri Mai from Gatbandhan, “Gudi Padwa is the time of great rejoicing and festivity as the entire family comes together for the celebration. As a tradition, all of us do the puja together in the morning and post that all the ladies prepare the traditional delicacies like kheer, pooran poli and halw. This year, I am planning to make these dishes for my ‘Gathbandhan’ family as well. As it is considered auspicious to buy jewelry on this day, I am thinking of purchasing something, if not very exquisite but atleast something small to keep the tradition alive. I would like to wish everyone Happy Gudi Padwa and prosperous new year."
Rajesh Shringarpure aka Moropant Tambe in Khoob Ladi Mardaani Jhansi Ki Rani : “Gudi Padwa has always been very close to my heart because it involves the coming together of our entire family. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Marathi calender and is considered as a very auspicious day . I am looking forward to dressing up in my traditional attire and devour in some authentic Marathi sweets.”