Desert Morning News
UTAH, U.S.A., April 10, 2004: Utah’s Hindu Community welcomed spring with a 15-day celebration of Gudipadwa which the article describes as a common Hindu festival that celebrates new life and new beginnings. Hindu New Year also falls during the festival. Shyamala Chivukula, chairwoman of the religious committee for the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in South Jordon, explains, “Even though we do follow the Roman calendar for day-to-day things, our calendar revolves around the new moon and the full moon. The festival of Gudipadwa is celebrated in different ways, depending on each Hindu’s personal Gods that they worship. In general, it is a celebration of new beginnings, heralded with food and community gatherings at people’s homes.” The article says, “This year, the festival’s last day was April 4. Because it is a celebration of the new year, many Hindus, particularly children, celebrate by starting something new in their lives, such as education. Many women and children also celebrate by receiving new clothes.” During the last nine days, Hindus focus on spending time in prayer and worship. Many in the community avoid answering the phone. They do however, invite other Hindus into their home to worship, pray, socialize and partake in meals. In May of this year, the South Jordan Ganesha Temple celebrates its first anniversary, so the community is also preparing for this grand event.