Good Feeling #1 – Gudi Padwa/ The Debut Post


The Gudi Padwa of 2020
will remain unforgettable
and serve as motivation
to live life on good terms.

On March 25, 2020 the official calmanac of Maharashtra went through a quiet transition from the Falgun month of 1941 to the Chaitra month of 1942. Every Maharashtrian ushered in the New Year by putting up a Gudi and celebrating the most sacred occasion of Gudi Padwa. The only difference being, no one could step out of their homes to participate in the colorful processions, which have become an integral part of our culture.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Uddhavji Thackeray addressed the state and its citizens. In his eyes, I could see the pain that he felt while asking us citizens to stay back home. Being a citizen of the state, he now heads, we made sure to stay indoors. The threat of pandemic might have left us concerned. But his words lifted our spirits and we started our day by exchanging generous morsels of Puranpoli. I am thankful to mom that before our cook was asked to proceed on a holiday, she had made ample amount of Puranpoli to last for a longer time. But what I was missing royally was the sight of Sanskar Bharti Rangolis on every road junction. I was missing the participation of citizens to usher in the New Year. I was missing the most soothing and happy sight of Gudis. Because just like others, I voluntarily decided to not step out. Our Prime Minister and our Chief Minister care for us. So, this New Year had to be celebrated by staying indoors.

My WhatsApp was getting flooded with messages of Gudi Padwa, which were either downloaded from the net or forwarded by others. But what I longed for, was the sight of an actual Gudi. Just then, a writer friend of mine, who lives in the western suburbs of Mumbai and is working from home, surprised me. It was her solo message, which brought an instant smile on my face. Without uttering a single word, she left the heart feeling rejoiced. All she did was; she shared the picture of her Gudi.

She had placed a cute little Gudi near one of her window sills. A cute little copper lota held a pink piece of shining cloth, a garland. Below it, I could see the moderate sprinkle of puffed rice, petals of marigold and some other pleasantries. As she rightly put it – My Beauty; it was indeed a beautiful sight. The pastel creamy shade of the background only added to the richness of the Gudi. I was left feeling blessed, pleased, touched and excited. Finally, I could sense the moment of Gudi Padwa casting its magical spell on us.

Speaking about Gudi Padwa, I have fond memories. During my childhood, a kulfi selling family of four from Jalgaon where our immediate neighbors. This childhood memory was the first memory indeed of celebrating Gudi Padwa. They had invited me home, served me good food, handed me over a kulfi. But the best part of this celebration was to bite a piece of jiggery, two leaves of neem and a string of sugar made batasha (most probably they are called Gathi). Till the time, this family was in our neighborhood, Gudi Padwa continued to be special.

But the Gudi Padwa of 2020 cannot be forgotten for two reasons: 1) For not being able to step out, 2) For my friend Miss Mystic Tripper’s kind gesture of sharing a glimpse of her Gudi and making the debut of this new blog so special.

Hoping to see a new wave of hope rising and coming our way… I sign off saying – Navin Varshachya Hardik Shubhecha (Soulful Greetings of the New Year).

> Gudi Padwa was celebrated on March 25, 2020. Published the post on March 26, 2020.

- Virtuous Vociferous | March 26 | March Blog-1 | What If | DaysOfAmazingExperience | 2020

Comments

  1. Sameer Pawar26 March 2020 at 02:53

    Very beautiful thought on Gudi Padwa.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Author - Swarupa26 March 2020 at 04:04

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Author - Swarupa26 March 2020 at 04:14

    This was so heart warming. Almost made up for not being able to usher in the new year in the warm way we would have liked to. The memories of your childhood Gudhipadwa reminded me of my own kulfi days :)
    Thank you for generously mentioning me and my Beautiful Gudi:) though I had just shared the moment and tried making you a part of the celebration.
    Wishing the new year be healthy and happy to you and everyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous27 March 2020 at 22:48

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    2. PURNESH BHATTACHARYA27 March 2020 at 22:49

      Thank you so much for your precious words @Author - Swarupa

      Delete

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