TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: A rally will be taken out in Chaudi, Canacona in the wee hours of Saturday morning to welcome Manmat Nanv Savatsar Yugadh 5114, the dawn of New Year 5114 according to the Hindu calendar, celebrated as Gudi Padwa.
The rally which will begin as early as 5.30 am will start from Maruti temple and scale its way, passing through most of the municipal streets in Canacona, before assembling for a public function at Shri Gaitonde Grounds, Chaudi.
In a practice which began one and a half decade ago, the participants coming from all over the taluka will then be addressed by a speaker, who in his speech explains the significance and the necessity to preserve the unique value of Gudi Padwa for generations ahead, a resident said.
A Gudi which is mostly wrapped with saffron cloth, is then taken up for worship, while women participants who come in specific attire worship and welcome the sun as it spreads its first rays for the day.
A Bhat (Brahmin) also reads out Panchang as to what holds for the entire year ahead and even speaks/brings to the fore any impending natural calamities, agricultural output, farmers concerns, etc.
According to sources, the preparation for Gudi Padva begins almost four days prior to the auspicious day and in many areas, residents organize dramas (nataks) of mythological and historical values in their respective areas. Such dramas are either staged or will be staged at different localities at Talpona, Agonda, Saleri, Kindlem, etc.
Besides the public function at Shri Gaitonde Ground, Chaudi, rituals are also held in village temples with the Purohit giving pravachan and reading Panchang for the benefit of the villagers’ information and guidance.
Most offer coconut and rice to the temple pujari’s on the occasion. In some locations, the day is observed as a zatra especially at Burmar (Agonda), Shiroti (Khola), etc.
