The city on Saturday celebrated ‘Gudi Padwa’, the Hindu New Year day, with fervour and enthusiasm. The New Year celebration began with offerings made to rising sun. It was also the beginning of nine- day Navaratri festival that falls in Hindu Chaitra month. Most temples received steady stream of devotees for whole day. As a part of tradition, most families ate a paste of neem leaves prepared with jaggery and tamarind believed to purify blood and strengthen body’s immune system.
The mass worship of Lord Sun was also organised at Rajwada by Sarthak Hindu Navrash committee where large number of people including elected representatives participated. Bhajans were also recited by singers. Under guidance of dancer Ragini Makkar, students gave a classical dance performance. Educator Dakshin Dave highlighted importance of festival. Committee convener Shankar Lalwani said politicians, social workers offered ‘arghya’ to Lord Sun.
The programme was conducted by Ankit Raval. Shlok Sharma gave vote of the thanks. “Jaggery and coriander were distributed after which everyone exchanged New Year greetings,” Lalwani said. ‘Kanya pujan’ was also organised in city.
Celebrations in households
Celebrating Gudi Padwa, people prayed, prepared food and put ‘Gudi’ in their balconies. Talking about festival, student Purva Waikar said, “I love puran poli, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that I wait for this festival to have puran poli.”Sharing his feelings, businessman Rajesh Borgaonkar said, “I feel grateful to have food cooked by my wife every day, but it is much more special on Gudi Padwa as we dine together.” Discussing her favourite part, marketing professional Renuka Metawalkar said, “Like many girls, I love to dress up and on Gudi Padwa, we wear traditional dresses including sari.”
