Gudi Padwa is a popular festival in India, mainly celebrated by Marathi and Konkani Hindus to mark the arrival of the New Year. It is observed on the first day of the Chaitra month. The festival of Gudi Padwa coincides with other regional festivals such as Ugadi, which marks the Telugu and Kannada New Year. "Gudi" refers to the flag, while "Padwa" comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada, meaning the first day of a lunar fortnight.
Gudi Padwa 2026: Date, Muhurat
Gudi Padwa, marking the Marathi New Year and the start of Shaka Samvatsara 1948, will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19. The festival begins with Pratipada Tithi at 6:52 a.m. on March 19 and ends at 4:52 a.m. on March 20.
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Celebrations
On this day, families hoist the traditional Gudi flag, perform rituals, and exchange gifts. People wear new clothes and prepare traditional dishes, which combine neem leaves and jaggery. Gudi flags are made with a colourful silk scarf on a bamboo stick. They are decorated with neem leaves, mango flowers, sugar garlands and an inverted Kalash.
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Gudi Padwa Significance
According to Hindu belief, Gudi Padwa marks the day when Lord Brahma created the universe. Another popular legend links the festival to the coronation of Lord Ram after he returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman following 14 years of exile. His victory over Ravana is seen as the triumph of good over evil. As a result, the traditional Gudi flag is hoisted outside homes after the puja on this day. It symbolises this victory, prosperity, and the beginning of a new and auspicious year.
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