Gudi Padwa History

Gudi Padwa is a festival which is celebrated in the southern parts of India and this festival is remarkable because it has a number of legends and stories associated with it. Though it is not a major festival in most parts of the country, people still take out time from their busy schedules to celebrate it. The festival indicates the beginning of the traditional Indian New Year. According to the Vedas, a year is divided into twelve months and this is followed by the entire world because Vedas are considered to be one of the most ancient texts known to man. The month of Chaitra is supposedly the first month of the year and there are a number of reasons to support this claim including natural, historical and spiritual. There are numerous references in the Hindu scriptures and mythology regarding this festival which supports the claims of it being considered as the first day of the year.

Gudi Padwa Festival History

The major reason behind this day being regarded as the first day of the year is that, during the first day of Chaitra month, the sun states itself at a position above Vasant intersection, which is the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians. This position of the sun denotes the commencement of the season of spring. The religious scripture of Bhagvad Gita states Lord Krishna saying, "Among the seasons, the exhilarating Vasant season is my manifestation." In this season nature rejuvenates itself. The day is also termed special because this was the day when Lord Ram Chandra killed the ape king Vali to crown his brother Sugriv the king of Kishkindha. This is also the day when after one year from slaying Vali, he came back to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and a number of his demon allies.

Another incident which makes this day auspicious is that, on this very day, the Sakas registered victory over the Huns. This day also marks the commencement of the Shalivahan calendar and this happened soon after Shalivahan vanquished his Hun enemies. If Brahma Puran is to be believed, then this is the day when Brahma created the universe out of chaos. These are the major historical and mythological instances because of which this pious day is celebrated.