New Delhi, March 19: The first day of Chaitra month, observed on Thursday, marks a significant festival day across India. In Northern India, it is celebrated as Navratri, while in Southwestern India, it is recognized as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Cheti Chand (Sindhi New Year).
Despite the different names, the essence of these festivals is to welcome the Hindu New Year with joy and enthusiasm. The month of Chaitra holds special importance for health and spirituality, with neem and jaggery playing a crucial role.
Let’s begin with Chaitra Navratri. From March 19 to March 27, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Bhavani. Today marks the Ghatasthapana, where the first form, Shailputri, is revered, symbolizing new beginnings and stability. Each day will feature the worship of a different form of the Goddess.
Gudi Padwa and Ugadi are celebrated as the Hindu New Year from Western to Southern India. During Gudi Padwa, homes are adorned with neem leaves. The significance of neem leaves is to represent the bittersweet moments of life. Here, ‘Gudi’ means victory flag, and ‘Padwa’ signifies the first day of the lunar month. People also hoist a saffron flag at home, symbolizing prosperity and positive energy.
In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Chaitra Pratipada is celebrated as Ugadi. This festival also welcomes the Hindu New Year but is known by a different name in Southern India. Ugadi translates to the ‘beginning of a new era.’ On this day, people start their morning with an oil bath, followed by a cleansing ritual with neem water. They decorate their homes with neem and mango leaves and prepare a sweet dish made from neem and jaggery, particularly Pachadi. This dish combines five flavors—sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty—representing the diverse experiences of life and empowering individuals to face challenges.
The Sindhi community celebrates Cheti Chand on the second day of Chaitra, which falls on March 20 this year. This festival also symbolizes the Hindu New Year that begins in Chaitra. It commemorates the day of Varunavatar Swami Jhulelal’s appearance and is celebrated with sea worship.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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