It is said that on this day Brahmaji created the universe. In this, not only Lord Brahma and the main Gods and Goddesses of the universe created by him, Yaksha-Demons, Gandharvas, Rishis-Sages, rivers, mountains, animals, birds and insects, but also diseases and their treatments are worshipped. . A new year starts from this day. Hence this date is also called ‘Navsamvatsar’. Chaitra is the only month in which trees and creepers flourish and flower. The day of Shukla Pratipada is considered to be the first day of the phase of the moon. Only the Somerset Moon provides the main support of life to the plants. It has been called the king of medicines and plants. That is why this day is considered the beginning of the rainy season.
In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, all the houses are decorated with garlands of leaves of the mango tree. Along with the desire for a happy life, this bandanwar is also a symbol of prosperity and good harvest. The almanac is prepared on the day of ‘Ugadi’ only. The great mathematician Bhaskaracharya composed ‘Panchang’, calculating the day, month and year from sunrise to sunset from this day. Shukla Pratipada of Chaitra month is called Gudipadwa in Maharashtra. Gudipadwa is counted among the three and a half Muhutars of the year. Shalivahan Shaka starts from this day.
It is said that a potter’s son named Shalivahana created an army of clay soldiers and breathed life into them by sprinkling water on them and with the help of this army he defeated the powerful enemies. Shalivahana Shaka was started as a symbol of this victory. Many people believe that on this day Lord Rama liberated the people of the South from the tyrannical rule of the monkey king Bali. The people freed from the terror of Bali celebrated by hoisting flags (dolls) in every house. Even today, the practice of erecting a Gudi in the courtyard of the house is prevalent in Maharashtra. That is why this day was named Gudipadwa.
On this occasion, ‘Pachadi/Prasadam’ is distributed among the houses in Andhra Pradesh as a pilgrimage. It is said that by consuming it without food, a person remains healthy. Skin diseases also get cured. The ingredients found in this drink are delicious as well as healthy. Puran Poli or sweet bread is made in Maharashtra. The things that are added to it are jaggery, salt, neem flowers, tamarind and raw mango. Jaggery is for sweetness, Neem flowers are for removing bitterness and tamarind and mango are for tasting the sweet and sour taste of life. Nowadays, mangoes arrive in the market before the season, but in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, they are eaten from this very day onwards. Celebrated for nine days, this festival, along with Durga Puja, ends with the marriage of Ram and Sita on Ram Navami.