10-04-2017, 08:55 PM
Gudhi Padva (Marathi: Gu h P av ; Telugu Ugadi; Kannada: Yugadi) is the Sanskrit name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.[2] It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. The word (p av ) or (p avo) comes from the Sanskrit word / (p av /p avo), which stands for the first day of the bright phase of the moon called (pratipad ) in Sanskrit.
In south India, first day of the bright phase of the moon is called p ya (Kannada: ; Telugu: , paadyami; Konkani: , ). Konkani Hindus variously refer to the day as or (sa s ra p avo / sa s ra p ye), (sa s ra) being a corruption of the word (sa vatsara). Konkani Hindus in Karnataka also refer to it as , (ug di).
Astronomical
This new moon day has special meaning from Astronomy point of view. The Sun is supposed to be in first point of Aries, (Hamal) which is first sign of zodiac and is a natural beginning of spring. Many civilzations have known this.
People of ancient Egypt knew this and Nowruz (literally "New Day" ) in Persia is also based on this observation.
The Sun however may not be exactly in Aries due to Lunar month. This is adjusted by adding a "Adhika" (Literally an extra) Lunar month every three years to ensure New Year Day( "Gudhee Padwa") indeed matches observed season. See Panchang for details.
Chronological
Being the first day of the first month of the year, Gudhi Padwa is the New Year's Day for Marathi people.[citation needed] This day is known as Ugadi in Karnataka region, and people used to wish each other on this day. This year, Gudi Padwa 2016 will be celebrated on 8th April.
Agricultural
India is a predominantly agrarian society. Thus celebrations and festivals are often linked to the turn of the season and to the sowing and reaping of crops. This day marks the end of one agricultural harvest and the beginning of a new one. In this context, the Gudhi Padwa is celebrated at the end of the Rabi season. Gu h P av is one of the Saadhe-Teen Muhurta (translation from Marathi: 3 and a half auspicious days) in the Indian Lunar calendar.