Gudi Padwa (Indian Marathi New Year ) is the spring festival of Maharashtra, which is celebrated as the Marathi New year for the Hindus. It is also known as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, it is the first day of the first month of Chaitra and marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri. As per belief, the long ‘Gudi’ symbolizes victory and inspires people to prosper materially and spiritually. Unlike the regular Prasad which is generally sweet, the Prasad on Ugadi is a mix of bitter and sweet taste. It is made of tender flowers and leaves of the Neem tree, honey, or jaggery. It signifies acceptance of happiness and sorrow with equanimity. The festival is linked to the mythical day on which Hindu god Bramha created time and the universe.
With socializing ruled out this year amid coronavirus lockdown, you can still celebrate this Indian Marathi new year celebration festival in a normal and safe way at home this year. As Mumbai is witnessing complete lockdown this year also, there will be no dance, music, dhol, celebrations, colorful rangolis on every corner of the city. But you can celebrate Gudi Padwa in a very creative, healthy, and safe way.
Still, wondering how to make special this year’s Marathi New Year celebration in the office and in Maharashtra?
Here’s Are Some Creative Ideas for the Indian Marathi New Year Celebration During Covid Time
1. BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME ON THIS YEAR
Decorate your house with a garland of Mango leaves, flowers, and Rangoli, a traditional design pattern using colored powder on the floor.
2. CELEBRATE MARATHI NEW YEAR FESTIVAL WITH PURITY
Wake up early, massage the body with oil and take bath with warm water. This helps evoke a sense of purity and positivity.
3. ENJOY DELICACIES WITH YOUR MOTHER
Gudi Padwa (MARATHI NEW YEAR ) is associated with its delicacies. Cook dishes with your mother like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, Sabudana Vada, Kesari Bhatt, and more as they are integral to the festival. In this way, you’ll not only spend some time with your mother but will also end up learning something.
4. SWEETEN THE MOOD
Feel the occasion by gifting crispy and crunchy dry fruits to your loved ones by doing a virtual Gudi Padwa celebration.
5. SEND E-GREETINGS
Share videos and photographs with your loved ones so that they can be a part of the celebrations and feel connected.
6. SOCIALIZE YOUR ART
Decorate your house with beautiful flowers, show your creativity on social media, and make paintings on Gudi Padwa.
7. DANCE AWAY THE COVID-19 BLUES
Put on some music and dance on it with your family. It’s all about keeping the spirits high in this time of distress.
8. SHOW YOUR CREATIVITY
Use mango-leaf torans or the DIY variety with paper or wool to decorate the entrance of your home. Don’t limit your creativity.
9. WISH FOR THE BEST ON GUDI PADWA CELEBRATION
Pray for our country and for people across the globe who are fighting this battle against coronavirus. Let’s pray for the flattening of the curve, and humans in general.
Do you have any virtual Gudi Padwa celebration ideas in your home and office for Pune of your own? Comment here and let us know!
Happy Gudi Padwa and Happy Marathi New Year to one and all! Stay home with your family and make the most of it.
