Gudi Padwa is an auspicious festival celebrated by the people of Maharashtra and the Konkan region.
On this day, people perform a special pooja to seek the blessings of the Almighty for a prosperous and happy year ahead.
Here is a general guide on how to perform the Gudi Padwa pooja:
Things you will need –
- A Gudi (check below how to prepare it)
- A wooden stick
- A copper/silver vessel
- Flowers and Garlands
- Mango & Neem leaves
- Batasha Mala (Gathi)
- Coconut
- Incense sticks and Camphor
- Sweets or fruits for offerings
How to prepare Gudi on Gudi Padwa?
Hoisting the Gudi is a symbol of victory, prosperity, and good luck. It is believed that the Gudi wards off evil and brings happiness and success to the household.
Step 1: Take a long bamboo or any wooden stick. Make sure the stick is long enough to hoist the Gudi high up.
Step 2: Cover the top of the stick with a bright-colored cloth, usually yellow or saffron color.
Step 3: Tie and decorate the cloth with neem leaves, mango leaves, flowers, garlands, and batasha mala (Gathi).
Step 4: After that place a copper or silver kalash at the top of the stick which symbolizes the vessel of abundance and prosperity.
Gudi Padwa Pooja Vidhi
Gudi Padwa Date: 22nd March 2023
Gudi Padwa Muhurat:
Tithi Begins at 10:52 PM on 21st March 2023
Tithi Ends at 08:20 PM on 22nd March 2023
Also Read – Why Gudi Padwa is celebrated?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do Gudi Padwa pooja:
Step 1:
Clean your house and decorate the entrance with rangoli, flowers, and mango leaves.
Step 2:
Set up a small table or stool in the center of the house or puja room.
On the table or stool, place the kalash (a metal or silver pot) filled with water, a coconut, and a small dish of vermilion powder (sindoor).
Step 3:
On the right-hand side of the kalash, place the Gudi.
Step 4:
Light a lamp or diya and place it in front of the kalash.
Offer flowers, rice, and sweets to the kalash and Gudi, and sprinkle some holy water (Gangajal) over them.
Step 5:
Chant the following mantras while performing the puja:
Om Ganeshay Namah
Om Brahma Devay Namah
Om Vishnu Devay Namah
Om Shivay Namah
Om Devi Saraswatyai Namah
Om Devi Laxmiyai Namah
Om Devi Durgayai Namah
Step 6:
Offer the coconut and vermilion powder to the kalash and Gudi, and apply some vermilion powder to your forehead.
Light the incense sticks and camphor. Offer prayers to Lord Brahma and ancestors to seek their blessings for the upcoming year.
Offer naivedya, which is a plate of sweets, fruits, and other delicacies, to the gods.
Step 7:
After pooja, hoist the Gudi.
To hoist the Gudi, select a prominent location in your house or outside, such as a window, terrace, or balcony. You can also hoist it outside your main door or in a prominent public place.
Once the Gudi is hoisted, offer prayers to Lord Brahma and your ancestors to seek their blessings.
Step 8:
Leave the Gudi hoisted for the entire day, and take it down at the evening or the next morning.
Note: The pooja procedure may vary slightly depending on the traditions followed in different families or regions. It is advisable to consult a priest or an experienced family member for more detailed guidance.
The Gudi Padwa pooja may vary from region to region and from family to family. However, the essential elements remain the same, and it is crucial to perform the puja with sincerity and dedication.
Gudi Padwa is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, new beginnings, and the start of a new harvest season.