Description
Gudi Padwa brought a festive energy to every corner of Pune, and we spent the day experiencing the celebration with Nikhita and her family. We began our morning at the Pataleshwar Caves and Shiva Temple, followed by a visit to the Shri Sadguru Jangli Maharaj Punyatithi Utsav. As we rode towards Nikhita’s home, the city was already caught up in the celebrations, with processions, music and people out on the streets marking the beginning of the new year.
At home, we joined the family for the Gudi Puja and followed it with the traditional combination of neem leaves and jaggery. The bitterness of the neem and sweetness of the jaggery are symbolic of the different experiences that life brings, reminding us to accept both with equanimity as we begin a new year. Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the new year in Maharashtra and brings together rituals, food and family traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Usha ji had prepared a beautiful festive meal for us, with puri, puran poli, batata bhaji, shrikhand, bhajji, kurdai, chutney, koshimbir and more. The food was first offered to God before we sat down to eat, and over the meal, Nilesh shared stories about the traditions surrounding the festival and the dishes that are part of the celebration. There was something particularly special about eating this food in a home setting, where every dish came with a story and the meal felt like an extension of the festival itself.
From the rituals in the morning to the festive meal at home, the day gave us a lovely glimpse into how Gudi Padwa is celebrated in a Maharashtrian household.