Double Celebrations: Gudi Padwa/Ugadi and Blog Anniverssary

It’s already three years since my first post on my blog, “This Adbhut Life!”. At that time, it was called “Walls, Doors, Windows and much more.” Yes, I started “This Adbhut Life!” on this auspicious day of Yugadi/ Ugadi/ Gudi Padwa. Here, I am considering the Hindu Panchangam for counting the beautiful years gone by with my baby. And it will always be so, as I feel strongly about the significance of the Hindu festivals and the scientific relevance of the Panchagam. Though I use the Gregorian calendar for all official practical purposes, thurst upon the world, the Hindu Panchangam is the one I identify with as I connect with it spiritually and emotionally. I will make a separate post on the scientific accuracy and beauty of our Hindu Panchagam.

Now coming back to some thoughts on our blog’s third Anniversary. I am tempted to do a bit of Simhavalokanam on my journey. Simhavalokanam is a Sanskrit word for revision, revisit, re brush. (Simha= Lion, Avalokan=Observation. Contemplation) So just like a lion throws a glance to observe the territory he has covered before he moves any further, we also do a revision of our journey so far.

It all started in the spur of the moment without a concrete game plan. Therefore it had undergone so many changes, from a name change to several changes of host websites, as and when I learned something new. Finally coming home and settling down to “This Adbhut Life” on WordPress. I like this more as it gives flexibility, like I can directly post from WordPress to different social media without logging in. As raw as I was when I jumped into this, it has been a great learning experience and has given me a playground to play with words. And that’s the most beautiful takeaway for me, as it has given me a tranquil sanctuary to be myself and do it for myself. And that’s what matters the most.

That’s why there is no sudden urgency in me to bombard posts or go on a resharing frenzy to garner readers/followers. I am mostly amused by this “followers count” social media circus rather than pained by it. It affected me initially, but now I am in a very happy space. Because I am just joyful doing what I am doing. While in the earlier days, I happily said, “This Adbhut Life” is just a chronicle of my adventures (Or, maybe misadventure!!! Haaa) to inform, entertain and maybe inspire if possible. Now I call it my free self-therapy, which keeps me going and helps me express my thoughts of happiness and sometimes pain. It gives peace and harmony to the heart and action. All said and done, I am just grateful for being able to put stuff on the blog whenever I fancy, and I am more thankful for the handful of friends who have voluntarily liked and followed my Website and FB Page.

This 100th post is a happy coincidence on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi/ Gudi Padva. I consider this more a providence of Divine blessing as we know Ugadi is the Hindu New year, and Chaitra is the first month of the Lunisolar Hindu Calendar-Panchangam. Most of the Hindu Panchangam are based on Surya Sidhanthas. It is believed that Surya Bhagawan himself revealed the principles of Surya Sidhantas. The exact origin of the new year celebrations is not known. But the Hindu new year is celebrated by different names in different parts of India; on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, The Hindu New year is celebrated as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa. The Marwaris of Rajasthan celebrate the same day as Thapna. Ugadi is celebrated as Cheti Chand in the Sindhi community. In many Indian states, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratra, leading up to Ram Navami on the 9th day. These 9 Days, Ma Durga, is worshiped just like the Shardiya Navratri.

According to the Puranas, Lord Brahma, the creator, started creating the earth on this auspicious day. As per Vedic astrology, the day of Ugadi falls under Sadhe Teen Muhurat. Ugadi, Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami, and half of Bali Pratipada create Sadhe Teen Muhurta and these days need no Muhurta. It is believed that all work conducted on these days gives positive results.

Our Maharashtriyan Gudi, happily accompanied by the Telugu Ugadi Pachadi: The Gudi is erected to symbolize the victory of good over evil and to bring prosperity and good luck. 👇

The new tender leaves, sprouting colorful buds and blossoms, fresh fragrant breeze, and bright spring sunlight symbolize the jubilant celebrations, growth, and new beginnings. Have a happy and blessed Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, my dear friends

Kalyani S Kakade

16, Chaitra Shukla Paksha, Pratipada 2079 Rakshasa, Vikrama Samvata Singapore, 02 April 2022 Saturday