Wednesday 22nd March 2023 marks the beginning of the regional Hindu new year for the Marathi and Konkani Hindus. While the states of Maharashtra and Goa in India gear themselves for a novel chapter, starting with the very first day of the first month of ‘Chaitra’ as per the lunisolar Hindu calendar, the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh (among other states such as Karnataka and Telangana) also celebrates its new year on the same day, which is known as Ugadi.
This explains the link between Gudhi Padwa and Ugadi. Different states with distinctive cultures, traditions, languages, religious practices but nevertheless bound by similar lunisolar cycles. The umbilical chord from India stretching across the Indian Ocean up to the little island of Mauritius remains strong till date. Under the British rule, thousands of Indian indentured labourers were brought here to toil in the sugarcane fields, including from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Cut off from the land of their ancestors, the power of collective memory has proved to be resilient and hitherto, the fervour with which the new year is observed remains vibrant among the Indian diaspora here. 
In Mauritius, most public holidays are attributed due to ethnic considerations. Therefore, this accounts for why Ugadi has been established as a yearly public holiday for the Telugu diaspora here while for the Marathi people, Ganesh Chaturthi is the chosen festival to be declared a holiday. At the end of the day, what emerges from these celebrations is the joyous ray of hope for better things to come. The new year epitomises new pathways, new vibes, new horizons!
What is Gudhi Padwa?
Gudhi Padwa comprises two words; Gudhi and Padwa.
‘Gudhi’ refers to the flag (usually of yellow, green or saffron colour) that is set on top of a bamboo pole and is held in place by an upturned silver or copper pot. A garland of flowers, sugar crystals, Neem (Indian Lilac) and mango leaves are tied around the colourful cloth. The pole is then hoisted and placed tilted slightly on the right side at the entrance of the home. As for ‘Padwa’, it refers to a new moon phase. Taken together, ‘Gudhi Padwa’ symbolises a fresh era, prosperity and good luck.
The structure of the Gudhi itself has been compared to that of the human anatomy, with the bamboo pole representing the spine and the copper or silver pot on top symbolising the head. The Neem leaves are used for purification due to their imputed medicinal benefits and the mango leaves are associated with auspiciousness. The sugar crystals add that dose of sweetness to the human existence. Ultimately, everything is symbolical as per one’s perspectives.
Origins of Gudhi Padwa
Gudhi Padwa has several historical and mythological interpretations.
It is believed that the legendary Maratha warrior king of Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the first to initiate such celebrations after a victory on the battlefield against the Mughals. He had ‘gudhis’ hoisted as a sign of his victory.
Still, others contend that the ‘gudhis’ were hoisted in honour of Lord Rama who was returning victoriously with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya from Lanka after defeating Ravana, following fourteen years of exile. That was an occasion for general rejoicing. 
Moreover, the celebration of Gudhi Padwa has further been imputed to Lord Brahma the Creator as per the Hindu Holy Trinity. He created the cosmic universe and the concept of time on that day and the ‘Brahma Dhwaja’ prayer is observed to commemorate his valued contribution to the world.
The Concept of Duality
The universe is made up of a dynamic vision, in terms of binary oppositions. These lie at the very core of our existence. Light versus Darkness, Sun versus Moon, Life versus Death, Reincarnation versus Moksha….and so it goes on and on. On Gudhi Padwa, after the ritualistic cleansing rituals of the home and the self, the hoisting of the ‘gudhis’ and the prayers, eating a mixture of some bitter ‘Neem’ leaves with sweetened jaggery remains a favourite tradition. According to this practice, life is made up of ups and downs. However, it is incumbent upon us to choose how to deal with one’s struggles by focusing on the positive aspects instead of lingering on the bitterness that comes with our human life. There is no getting away from mortal struggles. We can learn to attune our spiritual acumen to keep on searching for the purpose of our existence, in terms of light and truth. Maintaining a healthy balance is a prerequisite for the sake of survival.
This Year’s Theme: Shobhan Naamsamvatsar
The theme of this year’s Gudhi Padwa as per the new ‘Panchang’ (calendar) is ‘Shobhan Naamsamvatsar’, which heralds wishes for a ‘beautiful’ year ahead. Beauty is what we make of it. It is ever-present. We just need to open up our senses to find it. It can be a feeling, a flower, the clear water along a brook, the sound of the wind or even love. We are surrounded with beauty. It is time to take a step back, close our eyes and meditate…Here’s to the Pillar of Beauty to adorn our world. There comes that point when at long last, a pause is imperative amidst the chaos. Look and you shall find.
Here’s to wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Marathi New Year! ‘Gudhi Padwa Chya Hardik Shubhechha!’