Gudi Padwa — Gudi Sthapana and Puja

The Marathi new year: Brahma is said to have begun creation on this day, and the Gudi — a raised pole topped with an upturned pot — is a victory flag (Brahmadhvaja) recalling Rama's return to Ayodhya and the Shalivahana era. Eating bitter neem with sweet jaggery reminds us to accept life's bitter and sweet together and to guard health as summer begins.