Wishing Happy New Year at this time of the year may confuse many but the fact is that today (23 march 2012) marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, called Gudi Padwa. It is celebrated with utmost pomp and glory in Maharshtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Konkan region and amongst Sindhi community in this country. Today, one can see every family putting up a flag outside their home, which symbolizes life and growth. Today is the day to rejoice and make a new beginning. “At my parent’s place at Vasai, Mumbai, they do put up the flag. I love it. Currently, I stay with my friends at Malad. In the evening, I will go to Vasai and eat my heart out. I am waiting to relish delicious shrikhand-puris,” laughs Yashashri Masurkar. Shubhangi Atrey Poorey is celebrating the festival in a traditional away. “I got up in the morning today and made a rangoli at my home. Then I took bath and prepared puranpoli and kheer. Phir maine pooja ki aur bhagwan ko bhog chadhaya. I wish that this year will be very good for me at the career front. I wish all my fans a very happy Gudi Padwa.” This is what Smita Oak has to say about the festival, “I love celebrating Gudi Padwa with my family in Pune. It is the first day of the year as per Marathi calendar so I get up early in the morning and put Gudi outside the window and then start preparing special food for my family. All my relatives who stay nearby come to my house and we all play cards in the afternoon. I also buy new clothes for my kids on this day.” On the other hand, Raqesh Vashisht is a little sad today. Why? Well, he is missing his belle Riddhi. “This is our first Gudi Padwa after marriage and Riddhi has gone to meet her parents in Delhi. She left today morning. If she would have been around, celebration would have been bigger. Anyways, we did put up a Gudi in front of the house. I will be shooting today. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.” Meenal Pendse shares her childhood memories, “I remember when I was small my mom used to make good food for the entire family and we were allowed to eat after finishing our puja. I also like to buy Gold and invest in property on this day. The festival is very special for me.” For Aditya Redij, there’s a double reason to celebrate. “Right now I am shooting, but in the evening I have two reasons to celebrate. Of course, today is Gudi Padwa and my family has come down to Mumbai to celebrate with me. Furthermore, in the evening, on this auspicious day, my cousin sister is getting engaged. So there are two big reasons to rejoice today. And this year, I hope to keep working hard and keep people around me happy.” Wow, have a blast Aditya. So your favourite TV celebs are having lot of fun this Gudi Padwa. Are you too enjoying your heart out? Do let us know by sending in your comments. Tellychakkar.com wishes everyone a very Happy New Year!!!