I still make Shrikhand for Gudi Padwa – Utkarsha Naik

As the Maharasthrian festival, Gudi Padwa (New year) is around the corner, the people across the city will be seen celebration with zeal and zest. With the preparations of mouth watering delicacies, meeting and greeting relatives, will mark the beginning for the festival, our TV celebs too will be celebrating the occasion despite being busy with their shooting schedule. One such actor who is working on the auspicious festival is Utkarsha Naik, who is seen on Colors’ Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi as Amba.

Utkarsha, who is quite experienced in this industry, talks to us about celebrating this festival, traditions followed for the festival and more –
The actress says, “Gudi Padwa, is one of most auspicious day as it is the New Year and it’s a first day according to the Hindu calendar. Before, there were no lights or crackers to celebrate, so traditionally every used to erect Gudi.”

Talking about the ritual of erecting Gudi, Utkarsha says, “Gudi is tied to stick. On top of the vessel (Gudi) a saari is draped along with a garland consisting of battasha (a kind of a sweet) The mango leaf is hung in such a manner that it exactly rests on the top of Kalash which is placed below the Gudi.”

She further continues, “When I was young, we used to live in Andheri, where we had a bungalow. There we used to place two Gudis in front of our door. My mother used to prepare shrikhand which is the authentic sweet made on this day. The best part is that Shrikhand is my favorite sweet dish and everyone can easily have it as it has zero calories (Laugh). But its true that, I love shrikhand and I make it by myself till date.”

We further asked her that how will she celebrate this Gudi Padwa? She says, “I will be working on this Gudi Padwa as I don’t have an off on that day due to our hectic shooting schedules. I might prepare Shrikhand and will head for the shoot to share it with everyone.”

We wish Utkarsha Naik a very happy Gudi Padwa!