MUMBAI: “I am very excited for Gudi Padwa because it is the New Year for Maharashtrians. It is believed to be a very auspicious day. Everyone places Gudi outside their households decorated with garlands made from neem leaves. Even I do that. My fondest childhood memory around Gudi Padwa is eating a lot of batassi. My friends and I used to take some away from everyone’s balconies and have them secretly. Devouring kheer puri and puran poli is also something I enjoy even now. I live in Ville Parle and the mornings here are very festive, everyone gathers in traditional clothes, so it’s a lot of fun. I would like to give everyone greetings on the occasion of Gudi Padwa and wish them all a very happy new year.” 

Aditya Deshmukh, essaying the role of Faizi in Ziddi Dil - Maane Na

“I am always excited for Gudi Padwa because it marks the New Year for Maharashtrians. It symbolises positivity, love, and hope that everything will fall into place, no matter the hardships that are there in life. I will spend time with my family on Gudi Padwa because festivals are great occasions to spend quality time with your loved ones. We always have the most delicious and traditional meal on Gudi Padwa, with a feast including boiled potato sabzi, with puri, a tangy chutney, salad and shrikhand or amrakhand. During my childhood days, after the Gudi Padwa pooja, we used to gather and play indoor games like carom and housie, and if time permitted my cousins and I gathered to play cricket which remains my fondest memory of the festival. I hope this Gudi Padwa brings lot of love, joy and happiness to everyone’s life.”

Geetanjali Tikekar, essaying the role of Savita in Shubh Laabh - Aapkey Ghar Mein 

“I am excited to celebrate Gudi Padwa finally after two years and I am looking forward to celebrating it in the most elaborate way followed by a traditional feast. As a Maharashtrian, puran poli is a must on all celebrations. It is my favourite food as well. I will celebrate the occasion with my family and share this Marathi tradition with my son and my husband who is from Delhi. My favourite childhood memory is that of wearing a batassi necklace and getting a sugar rush every year on Gudi Padwa, after munching on it all day. There was a thrill attached to such special moments as a kid. I would like to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Gudi Padwa and may everyone have new beginnings that strike gold.”

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