Gudi Padwa

Good morning respected Headmistress, Deputy Headmistress, supervisor, teachers, non-teaching staff and my dear students,

Imagine waking up to a bright spring morning, seeing a colourful rangoli at the doorstep, hearing the soft chimes of temple bells, and noticing a beautiful silk cloth and garlanded pot raised high outside the windows and balconies of homes around you. This special sight tells us that a new beginning has arrived. Today, I would like to speak about the festival of Gudi Padwa, a festival that marks hope, victory, and the start of a new year.

Gudi Padwa is celebrated mainly in the state of Maharashtra and in parts of Goa and Karnataka. It falls on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually comes in March or April. For many people, it marks the beginning of the traditional Hindu New Year.

But why do we celebrate this festival?

There are several beautiful reasons.

One belief is that on this day, the creator of the universe, Brahma, began the creation of the world. Another story says that it celebrates the victory of the great king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing courage and success. Thus, the festival reminds us that every new year brings new opportunities and victories.

This festival is celebrated with reverence and splendour.

People clean and decorate their homes, draw colourful rangoli, and wear new clothes. A special “Gudi” is raised outside the house—a bamboo stick decorated with a bright cloth, neem leaves, flowers, and an inverted pot on top. The Gudi is a symbol of victory, prosperity, and good fortune. Families also enjoy traditional foods like Puran Poli and a mixture of neem and jaggery, reminding us that life has both bitter and sweet moments.

In many places, a rally is taken out showcasing the skills of drummers and lezim pathaks and people dressed in cultural finery.

For us students, the message of Gudi Padwa is very meaningful. Just like the new year begins with positivity, we should also begin each day with determination, discipline, and kindness. It reminds us to learn from the past, work hard in the present, and dream confidently about the future.

Even in modern times, this festival remains relevant. In our busy digital world, it reminds us to stay connected with our culture, respect our traditions, and value our time with family and community. Festivals like this teach us gratitude, hope, and unity.

So today, when the Gudi stands tall outside our homes, let it remind us to stand tall in our values, our efforts, and our dreams.

Let us welcome every new beginning with courage in our hearts and hope in our minds.

Because every sunrise brings a new chance… and every new year brings a new story waiting to be written.

Thank you, and Happy Gudi Padwa!

Art work prepared by Ms Beena Godambe Art Teacher PTVEMS (Secondary Section), Deepak Patel Teacher PTVEMS (Secondary Section)

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