Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which usually falls between March and April as per the Gregorian calendar.The festival will be celebrated on the 13th of March 2021.

There are many stories and mythological references to Gudi Padwa. In Brahma Purana, one of the sacred Hindu scriptures, it’s mentioned that Lord Brahma recreated the world after a natural calamity left all the people dead and stopped time. On this day, following Brahma’s efforts, time restarted, and the era of justice and truth began. For this reason Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day.

Another story says that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxman after living 14 years in exile. The day celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Hence, Gudi or Brahma’s flag is hoisted in households like how it was hoisted in Ayodhya as a victory flag (as per the myth) after Rama’s victory over Ravana.

However, there’s another historical significance of Gudi. History beckons that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated the Mughals and freed the people of the state from the Mughal rule. This is one of the major reasons why people of Maharashtra hoist Gudi on this day. It’s believed that the flag wards off any kind of evil from entering the premises of houses.