Today is the first day after the New Moon in Aries. 

This day is celebrated as the beginning of a New Year in many states of India. (And I recently found out also in Sri Lanka.)

There's a specific symbol / ritual associated with this day in the state of Maharashtra where I grew up.

It's called a "Gudhi", which is what you are seeing in this photo. And the day is called "Gudhipadawa".

I was never a big fan of rituals unless I understood and connected with the symbolism behind what that ritual represents.

But Gudhi was different.

I didn't know (still don't) what each of the components of a Gudhi symbolize, but knowing that it symbolizes a new year, fresh start was good enough for me.

I enjoyed seeing beautiful fabric of a Sari, flowers and leaves that make a Gudhi on many houses in the neighborhood. It was fun, colorful, and a treat for eyes. Not to mention, the delicious food that's an integral part of any celebration and festival.

After coming to the USA, I kept up the tradition of making the dessert that my mom often makes for Gudhipadawa.

But I missed the visual treat.

So you can imagine my joy when I realized that the house we just bought has a place where raising a Gudhi will be easy peasy. Another gift from the house!

Also, the last few years of studying Astrology helped me understand why we celebrate this as a new year. This is the first day after the first New Moon of an Astrological new year. 

According to Western Astrology, when the Sun enters the sign of Aries, it marks the beginning of a new cycle, hence a new year. But many Indian states also follow the calendars that don't just look at solar movements but also Lunar (meaning Moon's) phases. That's why the first day after the first New Moon after the Sun moves in Aries must be celebrated as a fresh start.  

Symbolizing that moment means something to me which connects me to this ritual even more than before.

As the Spring has started making its way where we live, this is a perfect time to set intentions for and celebrate new beginnings.

Those of you who are celebrating Gudhipadawa, Vishu, Ugadi, Baisakhi, beginning of the month of Ramazan or any other festival today, I wish you a new beginning!

Let's set intentions with gratitude for a reset, a fresh start in any aspect of your life in which you are craving expansion.

गुढीपाडव्याच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा! 

I have been craving expansion in my online home aka my website. It needs to be an expression of who I have become, reflection of my growth in the last couple of years, and what Bridgewalkers' collective is creating together.

So while my new website isn't completely ready to be released just yet, I am publishing this blog post to anchor my intentions through an action. 

The new website is coming soon. Stay tuned.

And if you aren't officially celebrating anything today, you cannot go wrong by making some time to tune into the vision of what you are creating, and inviting in that energy. Have fun!

Oh, an don't forget, I am now accepting 3 new clients for my 1:1 mentorship called Bridgewalker Visionaries Incubator (BVI). If creating or rebuilding a coaching, healing, artist type of business that freely expresses who YOU are, is your top priority this year, I would be honored to mentor you.

Apply to BVI here. I will personally review your application and get back to you within 24-48 hours. If you don't hear from me by then, PLEASE check your "Updates" or "Spam" folders.