HAPPY GUDI PADWA..!

For those who aren't aware, Gudi Padwa is the Maharashtrian New Year.

Via Indianclipart.in

You might have heard of different countries around the world following different new years...
For instance: The Chinese New Year.
                     The Jewish New Year
                     The Islamic New Year
                     The Thai New year, etc
{Etc. - Something that I use, when I want to show that I know more than I actually do ;)}

But India being the Quintessential Multi Cultural and Multi Lingual country, celebrates as many as 14 New Years during the year.
More New Years = More Holidays
Don't you just Love INDIA?

Anyways, I have never before in my life done the Gudi Padwa Puja, and was so determined to do it this year..for my Dear Blog's sake. But I was stuck up in office yesterday till 10 pm and being the last minute planner, all my plans were foiled. :(
Also, it was a working day for me today, so there was not much scope for me to do. So, I decided to postpone my plans by a year.
But that should not stop me from giving you some Cultural Dose.

This is how a Gudi Padwa Puja set up looks.

And for those who don't know to read Marathi, I will try to act as your translator.
The Gudi Puja comprises of various elements and each element symbolises something. Go ahead and get acquainted.
Starting from the top:

The Inverted Copper Pot aka Kalash symbolises Victory.
The Green Neem Leaves symbolise Good Health.
The Flower Garland symbolises Auspiciousness.
The White Sugar Candy Garland symbolises Sweetness.
The Brocade Fabric symbolises Wealth.
The Stick symbolises Capability.
The Betel Nut symbolises Resolution.
The Coconut aka Shreefal symbolises Attainment of Complete Knowledge.
The Haldi Kum Kum (Turmeric and Vermillon) symbolises Good Luck.
The Wooden Stool aka Paat symbolises Stabilty.

According to Indian Mythology, Lord Brahma created the Universe on this Day. The Gudi symbolises Brahma's Flag.
The Gudi is always positioned towards the right side as it symbolises the active state of the soul.

For more details re the Gudi Padwa festival, you can refer this.

Until, we meet next time..Stay Happy. :)

 Disclaimer: I do not own the images used in this post.