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The month of April is inundated with festivals. India would be gearing up for a bunch of festivals in the coming few days like the Navratri, Ramzan, Ugadi, Baisakhi, and Poehla Boishakh. One of these festivals is the Gudi Padwa. It is a Maharashtrian Hindu festival, celebrating the ‘New Year’. According to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, the first day of the month of Chaitra, is considered to be very auspicious as it is the very first day of the calendar year. The Marathi and Konkani Hindus celebrate the festival with much pomp. They clean their houses, and decorate the floors with beautiful patterns. A unique feature of this festival is the ‘Gudhi’ which is installed outside the households. It is a long bamboo stick that is covered in colourful silk scarf. Neem leaves, mango leaves and garlands are also used to decorate this staff. On top of the bamboo stick sits a silver, bronze, or copper pot or half-cut coconut. The Gudhi signifies the victory of good over evil. There are many legends associated with the Gudhi, sometimes it is said to be a mark of respect to the Maratha warrior and King Shalivahana, when he returned to Paithan, as a victor his subjects hoisted a similar structure. It is also sometimes said to symbolise the Brahmadhvaj or the flag of Brahma, as it is said that he created the world on this day.
Gudi Padwa is the day to be with family and feast your heart out. Here are some of our favourite ladoos you can make for the occasion.
Mango Coconut Ladoo
The mango season is upon us and did you know, when combined with grated coconut and ghee, they can spell magic? Don’t believe us. Try these super-soft ladoos and you’d know what we are talking about.
Moong Dal Ladoo
Not just halwa or payasam, Moong Dal can be used to make toothsome ladoos too. Cook them with ghee, powdered sugar and nuts until golden and smooth, and then shape them as ladoos.
Besan Ladoo
How can we miss out on the classic? Besan Ladoos are ladoos made with besan (gram flour), powdered sugar, ghee and cardamom. You too can make Halwai-style ladoos at home, make sure you use best quality ghee, because these ladoos do require a lot of stirring and cooking.
Wishing you all a very Happy Gudi Padwa!
