They've been married for six years, but Shreyas and Dipti Talpade are so much in love that they still look like a newlywed couple. And as the Maharastrian new year dawns today, they hope for a happy and prosperous time ahead, what with Shreyas' films being up for release. On this auspicious day, the couple talks to CS about gudi padwa memories and celebrations:

Those were the days...
Shreyas recalls some of the best memories of his childhood. "I used to live in a joint family. So every festival would be a grand event as all my kakas (uncles) and aatyas (aunts) were present. We cousins would get into some serious leg-pulling." It was great fun collecting mango leaves from the tree in our building compound and then decorating the gudi on a wooden pole with a new material and kalash."

Dipti decides to chip in. "Gudi Padwa would always come during exam time, it was extremely annoying. Mum would make me study first and only then allow me to spend some time with relatives who'd come over. But yes, I would get a new dress every year without fail."

Dressed to kill
"We too would get new clothes, but they'd be identical for all of us in the family. My uncle would get metres and metres of the same material for shirts and another for trousers. Then we were all marched to a tailor who would take our measurements.

We were all so embarrassed leaving our home; our neighbours would tease us. But we didn't really mind it. How could we? There was so much love and affection around. And then there was sakhar bhaat (sweet rice) that my aatya would make on Gudi Padwa. I just loved eating it," recalls Shreyas. Dipti too recalls yummy meals that her mom would makeu00a0-- varan bhaat, shrikhand puri, etc.

Wish karo, gift karo
As for today's plans, Shreyas says, "Every year my dad would come over to decorate the gudi. This year, I'll join him since I'm at home. Dipti and Mom are going to prepare all the traditional Marathi food, sakhar bhaat and all." And like all girls, Dipti too is looking forward to receiving a gift from Shreyas today. Since I recently gifted Shreyas a Macbook, BlackBerry and iPad, I've to think what to give him today. But he definitely knows I want a touch screen phone so I'm hoping it'll land in my hand today," says Dipti with a wink.

Who: Shreyas and Dipti Talpade
What: Sharing their childhood Gudi Padwa memories
Where: At their residence