Today is Ugadi (or should I write Yugadhi ?) the new year for people from Karnataka and Andhra (primarily the south Indian / deccan lunar calendar followers). It is the day when we mix the bitter and sweet combo (Neem buds and Jaggery) as a symbol that life is full of ups and downs and we need to face both with equanimity....
While all this is fine, I wonder about the new-year significance and it's origin. The reason being, this day is a new year for a few other far-flung communities (eg. Sindhis ...).
Is this just a coincidence ? Or is there historical reference that we have not figured out ?
Neighbouring states in India (eg. Tamilnadu) follow the Solar new year and this is usually a week later ? How come there is this level of diversity in a few hundred kilometers, while there is equivalence in communities far spread ?
I'm told it is also celebrated as new year in a few eastern european communities ?
Maybe it cab be traced to tribal origins before religion(s) were born ?
In Maharastra it is celebrated as Gudi Padwa and celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month.
ReplyDeleteOn this day, gudis are hung outside the houses or in the localities. A 'gudi' is a pole on the top of which an upturned brass or silver pot called a kalash is placed. The gudi is covered with a colourful silk cloth and decorated with marigold flowers, coconuts, and mango leaves that symbolize nature's bounty. Gudi is worshipped by offering sandalwood paste, turmeric and vermilion.
It is also believed that on this day, Shivaji won a war. So, some history behind this celebration...
Anyways all of us enjoy this fesitval by eating lots of pooran poolis :-)
Dear Anonymous :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, it is indeed celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. FYI - the only reason, I did not include this info on the post is that the day - Chaitra Shudda Padyami is the same, except it marks the "NEW YEAR" for some people, while it is a festival for the others.
Pooran polis sound good, except I'm not partial to sweets and I prefer the "Mavinakai Chitranna" - Mango flavoured rice with roasted peanuts and sesame added in abundance - SLURP !
:-)....u r right every state celebrates the festival in a different manner....but one common thing is that all of them prepare mouth watering dishes on this day....missed out on the amvade :-)
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