Lets all celebrate the marvel called the Neem Tree. The Neem Foundation celebrate Gudi Padwa as “Neem Day” to highlight the healing and revitalizing properties of Neem. It is also be an occasion to know all about the goodness of the Neem and its usage in healing and improving the environment. Mythologically, Gudi Padwa or Ugadi is the day on which mother earth was created and therefore it is the birthday of our mother earth that needs to be celebrated and rejoiced by all. “NEEM DAY” is celebrated on the 1st day of the month of Chaitra, Gudi Padwa. The wonder tree of India, Neem, is accorded much significance during this festival. In many homes Neem leaves and marigold flowers are tied on the doors as ‘torans’. At dawn everybody has to compulsorily chew some Neem leaves to start the New Year in a healthy way, a practice that has prompted the dedication of Gudi Padwa as ‘Neem day’. The knowledge about Neem’s tremendous utility in medicines, agricultural and environmental applications is an India’s gift to the world. The neem, Azadirachta indica owes its origin to the Persians, who called it ‘Azad Darakht-e-Hind’– ‘The Free Tree of India’. Neem trees silently serve us in much more ways than we can think.
It is important to formally acknowledge our debt by expressing our gratitude at least one day in a year. It is a good idea to usher in the New Year by identifying with the nature and acknowledging the gifts, it freely gives us. Also plant more neem trees.