Gudi on the Grill

Gudi placed on the balcony

Today is Gudi Padwa. Maharashtrian new year. I have some faint memory of Gudi padwa celebration in bhopal from where i come.

First day of Chaitra month is the new year of maharashtrians and konkanis. Also kashmiri new year is celebrated on the same day. Its said that Brahma created this world on this day only.

In konkan its called sansvar padvo. In kashmir i dont know. Telugus call it Ugadi but i suppose its on 7th thats tomorrow. Sindhis call it cheti chand and i can recall cheti chand was celebrated with great festivity in bhopal and hope it still is.

Making a gudi is very simple. A bordered yellow colored saree is tied to a bamboo stick decorated with marygold and leaves of mango and neem. On the tip is placed a inverted copper pot again decorated with flowers or a garland of red flowers.

Not to mention is the deadly combination of neem leaves and gud(jaggery). My grandmother used to give me few neem leaves to eat and that was mandatory. There was no escape. and to come out with taste, a peice of gud was given later.

And this birdie was amused to see the gudi