Sanjeev Kapoor
Chef and television anchor
We shifted to our new house on an auspicious day. This department is taken care of, by my mother and my wife Alyona, as I am not superstitious. Nevertheless, it feels good to keep some traditions going. I do believe that a pooja or a havan, brings positive vibes into a place. Gudi Padwa is a celebration of the beginning of the harvest season in Maharashtra. Having lived in Mumbai for so long, we celebrate Gudi Padwa by performing a pooja and indulge in puran poli that our Maharashtrian friends send over. We also make amrakhand at home. Gudi Padwa may be known by different names across the country but the sentiment remains the same –joy, enthusiasm, optimism and positivity for the new year.
Salil Ankola
Cricketer turned actor
I am very particular about auspicious times and dates. I believe in astrology, which is based on planetary positions. When it comes to buying property or shifting to a new house, an auspicious mahurat is a must. Auspicious time slots matter a lot, as everything in this universe is uniformly ruled by time which is infinite. Certain days, like Vasant Panchami, Akshaya Tritiya, Gudi Padwa and Dusherra, are most favourable. There are also principles for auspicious time during the day, like tithi and nakshatra, which affect us. So, for a griha parvesh, it is better to consider the day and time. On the day of Gudi Padwa, we decorate the temple, perform a pooja at our place and buy gold. This year, I have booked a new car, which will be delivered on Gudi Padwa.
See also: Do buyers still wait for the festive season to buy homes?
Suamya Tandon
Actress
I was so busy figuring out my finances, home loan and paper work, when I was buying my first house that I couldn’t really think of timing it with an auspicious day. When it is the right time for one to buy a house, everything falls into place and it happens smoothly. Although my mother keeps auspicious days in mind while doing everything, I do not stop or wait for an auspicious day. I did a griha pravesh pooja and havan for my house, as my mother planned it with an astrologer. Her happiness matters to me and I look up to her as my God. Gudi Padwa is the beginning of spring. Although I am not a Maharashtrian, on Gudi Padwa, we make puran poli and a kanji drink, made of black mustard, turmeric and carrot, which is good for digestion.
Manjari Fadnnis
Actress
I do not follow superstitions blindly and am not particular about auspicious time. For me, buying a house in Mumbai was a dream come true. It was a big achievement, to be able to financially afford it on my own, after years of hard work. I did a Satyanarayan pooja, as my parents follow traditions and I respect them. The start of a new year indicates a new beginning. On the day of Gudi Padwa, I put up a decorated gudi in the morning in the east direction. It is said that the gudi invites prosperity and good luck. On the auspicious day, I buy a gold or silver coin, as it considered lucky. I also decorate my house with a toran of marigold and a bright rangoli and light diyas, candles or incense sticks at home and ensure that the house is spic and span.
Sahil Salathia
Model turned actor
It feels good to pray and choose an auspicious time, for doing anything important. When I bought a house in Mumbai, we had a griha pravesh pooja, as it is believed that it will purify the space and cleanse the surroundings. My mother is an urban, independent woman, who also believes in traditional Indian values. So, we all follow mahurats, when doing anything important. Also, while shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker’s Everest, I was a part of the Ganpati pooja before the shooting commenced. Gudi Padwa is the beginning of the new year for us, as per the Hindu calendar. Although I am from Jammu, Mumbai is my second home. So, I celebrate Gudi Padwa. My mother and sister ensure that there are sweets at home. We also decorate the house with a rangoli, to add some extra cheer.
Maheka Mirpuri
Designer
It is always good to follow our traditions and believe in auspicious days and timings. Before shifting into our home, we asked a priest to guide us for a shubh mahurat. I believe that a pooja and havan, with the chanting holy mantras, bring good vibrations into the home and take away all the negative energies. For special occasions, I prefer to choose auspicious days followed by the full moon, as the energies around such days are most powerful. Gudi Padwa, Ugadi or Baisakhi, is celebrated all over India in March or April. The day is important for farmers, as it is the first harvest of the year. On festive days, I like to go to the Gurdwara and make kara prasad at home. We celebrate festivals with our friends and family, in full spirit and bright attires.
Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.
Email: [email protected]
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