Happy Ugadi & Gudi Padwa, Parents of India!
Do you know why we celebrate Ugadi and Gudi Padwa? Or what is their importance in our culture? It's easy to get caught up in the traditions of these two special days without giving much thought to their significance. That's why I'm here to share five must-know common facts about Ugadi and Gudi Padwa that you can relish, with your kids!
1. Different Names, Same Significance Despite having different names across different states - Gudi Padwa is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra and Goa, while Ugadi is celebrated across Karnataka, Telangana, and Andra Pradesh - both days are celebrated in the same way and have the same purpose. Ugadi and Gudi Padwa signify the same thing: the start of the Hindu New Year. The name ‘Ugadi’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘yuga’ which means ‘era’ and ‘adi’ which means ‘start’. This signifies the beginning of a new era. Similarly, the name Gudi Padwa is derived from the words ‘gudi’ which means ‘Brahma’s flag’ and ‘padwa’ which means ‘first day’. This signifies the mythology that states Brahma started creating the world on this day.
2. Special Foods Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are celebrated with special foods. On Ugadi, a dish called ‘pachadi’ is prepared, which is a mix of six different tastes: sweet, sour, spicy, salty, bitter, and astringent. Meanwhile, Gudi Padwa is celebrated with a dish called ‘puran poli’, which is made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. These special recipes are devised to prepare the body for the coming season.
3. Traditional Clothes On both days, people wear traditional clothes like a dhoti-kurta for men and a sari for women. Kids usually wear colorful outfits to signify the joy of the occasion.
4. Decorations & Gifts People decorate their homes with rangolis/kolam, a traditional form of art, and hang flags called ‘gudis’ outside the homes. Gifts are exchanged among family members, and people visit temples to offer prayers.
5. Science Backed Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are more than just traditional festivals. They mark the beginning of Summer in India - from this day, the scorching heat follows. Th
e trees start blooming, especially the National fruit of India, the Mango, which starts giving its freshest flowers and fruits. Neem trees, too, blossom and the leaves emit their powerful mesmerizing scent.
So, there you have it - five must-know common facts about Ugadi and Gudi Padwa. These days are a great way for your children to engage with their culture and learn more about the beautiful traditions of India. So take the time to teach your kids about Ugadi and Gudi Padwa and make these special days even more meaningful.