Gudi Padwa 2023: It is a time for family and friends to come together, says Sheeba Akashdeep

Hey Sheeba! Tell us as to what does the festival ‘Gudi Padwa’ mean to you?
Gudi Padwa is a festival that means a lot to me. It is the start of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar, and it is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s commensurate with the beginning of spring. It is also believed that this festival started when Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after having victory over Ravana and people welcomed him and raised ‘Gudi’ to decorate the city.

In what way do you celebrate Gudi Padwa and what’s the significance of Gudi Padwa in your life?
I celebrate Gudi Padwa! It is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. The significance of Gudi Padwa in my life is that it reminds me to be grateful for all the good things in my life and to let go of any negativity from the past year.

Also Read: Sheeba Akashdeep speaks about ‘International Day Of Happiness’ 

Do you religiously follow all the traditions and rituals involved?
Of course I do! Right from the ritual of making a Gudi, which is a pole decorated with a cloth and flowers to hoisting it outside the home, we follow each and every tradition with utmost dedication. Also, as a tradition, we also prepare special dishes like puran poli, puri and shrikhand.

What are your fond memories related to the festival of ‘Gudi Padwa’?
One of my fondest memories related to the festival is decorating the house with rangoli and flowers, and of course, making and hoisting the Gudi outside our house with flowers, kalash and new cloth and neem leaves and flowers. We eat neem flowers and jiggery to bring health and happiness to family in coming year.

Also Read: Being an Indian, I celebrate most occasions, says Shubhaavi Choksey 

Since it's an extremely traditional day, can we see you wearing the traditional nauvaari saree and other accessories like jewellery?
As for wearing traditional attire, I love to wear a nauvaari saree and traditional jewellery on Gudi Padwa. It makes me feel connected to my traditions.

Has anyone gifted you anything on Gudi Padwa? If yes, then what?
Yes, I have received gifts on Gudi Padwa like clothes and sweets. It is always a pleasant surprise! I also buy something new for the house or some gold on Gudi Padwa.

What will you be doing on the day of Gudi Padwa?
On the day of Gudi Padwa, I will be spending time with my family, preparing special dishes and performing puja. We will also be going to the temple and then to my shoot (work is worship!)

Gudi Padwa marks auspicious beginnings. What are you planning to start on this day?
On Gudi Padwa, I plan to start a new project that will bring me happiness and fulfilment.

What do you do if you are away from your home during the festival?
If I am away from home during the festival, I try to celebrate in whatever way I can, like making traditional food or calling my family and friends.

If you had to make a wish on Gudi Padwa for you or anyone in your life, what would that be and for whom would you wish for?
If I had to make a wish on Gudi Padwa, I would wish for good health and happiness, peace and love for all my loved ones.