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MUMBAI, INDIA, April 9, 2005: Residents today celebrated the Hindu New Year in a traditional colorful manner and welcomed the year Shalivahan Shaka 1927 by erecting decorated gudis. The day is commonly known as Gudi Padwa and households across the state witnessed hectic activities with family members getting ready after bath to erect the traditional gudi – long bamboo stick with a new silk cloth, garland and neem twig dangling topped with a silver or a metal pot (kalash) put upside down on it. The long gudi, symbolizes victory, inspires people to prosper materially and spiritually, says one Muktabai from Dadar. After the gudi is erected tender neem leaf, the harbinger of good health all the year round is eaten. The women churned out sweet dishes like the Puran Poli or Shrikhand along with the Aambe daal and Sunth Paak which are especially useful for the summer days ahead. The new year day is also considered auspicious for doing vaastu puja and opening new business establishments. The year begins on the first day of Chaitra of the Hindu calender named as Shalivahan after King Shalivahan from Paithan in Maharashtra who defeated the northern invaders Shakas and set up empire all across the country.

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