The festival of Gudi Padwa in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh is not just a symbol of the beginning of the new year but is a confluence of a unique tradition and faith. Here, special worship of neem leaves is done only once a year, on Gudi Padwa. On this day, people worship the new tender neem leaves, tie them like a toran on the door of the house, and then all the family members accept it as prasad.

Excitement is at its peak in Burhanpur regarding Gudi Padwa, which will be celebrated on 30 March 2025 this year. Social experts like Amol Bhagat and Gajendra Patil of the city say that neem leaves are bitter, but they are part of a tree that gives pure oxygen and is deeply connected to both our health and culture.

There is a popular belief that eating neem leaves on this day cures diseases like colds, coughs, and seasonal fever. This is the reason why everyone, from the elderly to children, takes a bath early in the morning worships Gudi, and then eats neem leaves.

In a conversation, Amol Bhagat said, "Neem leaves are worshipped only once a year. By including it in our food, we not only follow the tradition but also take a step towards a healthy life. This is a thousand-year-old tradition of our Hindu culture."

On this day, toran decorations made of neem leaves can be seen in every house in Burhanpur. This tradition gives the message of folk faith and awareness towards organic medicine even amid modernity.

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