The Hindu Heritage Centre hosted a vibrant and culturally enriching Gudi Padwa celebration, marking the traditional Maharashtrian New Year. Organised by Rotorua Marathi Mandal, this free and inclusive event showcased the rich heritage, spiritual significance, and deep-rooted traditions of the Marathi community. The event was graced by Dr. Margriet Theron,President of the Rotorua Multicultural Council, as the chief guest.
Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, falls on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, heralding the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The term “Gudi” refers to a decorated flag or banner, symbolizing victory and prosperity, while “Padwa” signifies the first day of the lunar fortnight. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and community bonding, celebrated with prayers, festive delicacies, and traditional rituals.
Gudi Padwa is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. Key traditions include:
- House Cleaning and Decoration – Homes are adorned with mango leaves and colourful rangoli patterns to invite positivity and prosperity.
- Panchanga Shravanam – The reading of the Hindu almanac (Panchang) provides insights into the year ahead.
- Gudi Hoisting – A Gudi is raised outside homes, symbolizing victory and success.
- Festive Delicacies – Families prepare traditional Maharashtrian dishes such as Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Poori Bhaji.
- Prayers and Temple Visits – Devotees seek divine blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
The Gudi Padwa celebrations at the Hindu Heritage Centre were a vibrant tribute to tradition, bringing the festival to life with a range of engaging activities. The event featured a traditional puja and prayers, where attendees sought divine blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity. Guests indulged in authentic Maharashtrian cuisine, savouring delicious home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by Harshad, Punarvasu, and Nilesh. Most importantly, the celebration fostered community engagement, uniting families and friends in a warm and joyous atmosphere that strengthened cultural appreciation and togetherness.
“We were delighted to bring diverse communities together to celebrate Gudi Padwa, fostering unity and cultural appreciation,” said Ishwari Vaidya, Coordinator of the first Gudi Padwa at the Hindu Heritage Centre. “This event not only highlighted the spiritual significance of the festival but also provided an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience Maharashtra’s rich heritage.” We are grateful to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this celebration special,” Vaidya added.
Voices from the Community
The event was met with enthusiastic participation and heartfelt appreciation. Attendees shared their experiences:
Neha Sewalkar: “It was an amazing opportunity for us and our kids to connect with our traditions and heritage, even while living far from home. The children especially enjoyed the traditional meals, which fostered a sense of community and belonging. We look forward to many more gatherings like this!”
Revati Karandikar: “Thank you to the Rotorua Marathi community for organising this wonderful celebration of our Hindu Marathi New Year. The Gudhi Poojan was beautiful, and the authentic Marathi food was a rare delight. It was heartening to see children learning Sanskrit shlokas and embracing their roots. Special thanks to Ishwari Tai for passing on our legacy to the younger generation.”
Alankar Vaidya: “From the decorations to the Gudhi hoisting and traditional attire, today truly felt like celebrating Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. Even local Kiwis cherished our authentic Marathi food. Those who missed this celebration must join us next time for an even grander showcase of Marathi culture!”
Varda Korde: “This was a wonderful gathering. Celebrating Gudi Padwa in the community lessens the feeling of missing family back in India. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and look forward to contributing in the future.”
Harshad Karandikar: “Celebrating the first day of the New Year with the Marathi community in New Zealand felt just like being back home in Maharashtra.”
The Rotorua Marathi Mandal looks forward to making future celebrations even bigger and more inclusive, ensuring that the beauty of Maharashtrian culture continues to thrive in New Zealand.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
021 0345621; hindu.nz@gmail.com
