Nagpur: Around 20 residents of the city’s Shradhanand Anathalaya are making resplendent gudis (traditional, colourful flags symbolizing Lord Rama's victory over Ravana) to ring in Gudi Padwa — the festival that marks onset of the Maharashtrian New Year.
Shradhanand Anathalaya joint secretary Geetanjali Buty said that as regular classes were hindered by the pandemic, the orphanage was utilising the time to train girls aged between 15 and 20 in arts and crafts to foster their financial independence.
Buty added that teaching these skills to the residents helps increase their knowledge about the traditions too. The gudis they are making are up for sale for corporates and individuals. The profits accrued would be deposited in the girls’ bank accounts.
Sadhna Kalsarpe, a crafts teacher at the orphanage, said that for making these gudis they use wooden stands, oil painting, saffron, green and yellow-coloured sarees (customised according to the gudi size), garlands, artificial mango leaves, vessels etc.
The gudi is said to represent the flag of Lord Brahma as mentioned in the Brahma Purana, an ancient Hindu text. According to Hindu mythology, Brahma created time and the Universe on this day. Gudi is commonly considered as a good omen that wards off evil and bring prosperity.
Karuna, a 17-year-old resident, said she was learning the craft of making different items for the last 3 years, through which she was getting to know more about festivals like Diwali and Gudi Padwa.
Around 90 members — right from infants to 20-year-olds — are residing at present in Shradhanand Anathalaya, which was established in 1927. The institution is dedicated to the care, protection and rehabilitation of orphans, destitute women and children.