Day with a Difference - March 30, 2006

Today's Inspirational Quote:

Every time you try and fail, you are one step closer to getting it right. The number of steps required depends on how well you prepare.

Ugadi / Gudipadwa

Today is celebrated as Ugadi / Gudi Padwa in many parts of India.

Ugadi (literally - the start of an era) is the new year's day for the people of the Deccan region of India. While the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka use the term Ugadi for this festival, the people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa.

The day, however, begins with ritual showers followed by prayers, and then the eating of a specific mixture of -

Neem leaves for Bitterness Jaggery for Sweetness Raw Mango for Vagaru Tamarind Juice for sour Green chille for Hot Salt for salty taste This mixture, called "Ugadi Pachhadi" in Telugu and "Bevu-Bella" in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of pleasure and pain, which should be accepted together and with equanimity.

The festival is called "Gudi Padwa" in Maharashtra; it heralds the advent of new year and is one of the most auspicious days for Maharashtrians. It is customary to erect 'Gudis' on the first day (Padwa) of the Marathi New Year. 'Gudi' is a bamboo staff with a colored silk cloth and a garlanded goblet atop it, which symbolizes victory or achievement. Hence, this day is known as "Gudipadwa" in Maharashtra. The New Year is ushered in with the worship of the "Gudi" and the distribution of a specific "Prasadam" comprising tender neem leaves, gram-pulse and jaggery. The symbolism of tastes is the same as what is described above.

Expand your knowledge base

Lateral Thinking:

Three switches outside a windowless room are connected to three lightbulbs inside the room. How can you determine which switch is connected to which bulb if you are only allowed to enter the room once? Scroll down for the answer ....

























Switch on the first switch, leave it for a minute, and then switch it off again. Then switch on the second switch and enter the room. The second switch will be connected to the light that is on, the first switch will be connected to the light with the warm bulb, and the third switch will be connected to the light with the cold bulb.

Have a memorable day!
Priya