April 08, 2014: Workers of Sambhaji Brigade called local residents to a temple and misguided them that ‘Do not hoist ‘Gudhi’ as it will amount to Sambhaji Maharaj’s insult’. Few devout Hindus attending ‘Dharma-shikshan’ came to know about it and they immediately informed activists of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS). Lady – activities of HJS went to Sawantwadi village and explained the science behind celebrating ‘Gudhi Padva’; as also distributed handbills on the subject.

HJS activists explained to citizens about how hoisting of ‘Gudhi’ is significant from spiritual point of view and about misguidance by Sambhaji Brigade workers; after which local residents assured to celebrate ‘Gudhi Padva’. HJS then organized collective ‘puja’ of ‘Gudhi’ at Sri Maruti Mandir and Sri Vitthal- Rukmini Mandir. Importance of ‘Gudhi’ and chanting was explained on the occasion. Shri. Kundalik Sawant and Shri. Vaibhav Sawant from ‘Dharma-shikshan’ class took part in explaining the subject. Sou. Rupali Chavan, Sou. Sudha Ghatge, Sou. Vinaya Itnal, Sou. Sangita Bhange, Sou. Nanda Koratkar, ‘Ranaraginis’ of HJS division took part in the program. Few citizens said, “We have been hoisting ‘Gudhi’ for past so many years; still workers of Sambhaji Brigade tried to mislead us; but we will celebrate ‘Gudhi Padva’ !”

Aurangzeb tortured and killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on ‘Phalgun Amavasya’. The next day was Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada i.e. Gudhi Padva. Aurangzeb’s motive behind it was Hindus should not celebrate this festival. Such is the history; but it is falsely propagated that ‘Brahmins killed Sambhaji Maharaj through communal forces and started hoisting ‘Gudhi’. In fact, the killing has no connection with Gudhi hoisted on Gudhi Padva. People started hoisting Gudhi when Prabhu Ramchandra returned to Ayodhya after 12 years; doors were decorated with flowers and it is our tradition. Gudhi Padva is very significant as it is known to be the day of creation of the Universe; therefore, it is celebrated not only in Maharashtra but all over India; however, communal people are associating killing of Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj with Brahmins and trying to shield Aurangzeb’s sin. Such communal people should be taken to task, in lawful manner !