Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, will be celebrated in Maharashtra on March 19, 2026. The festival marks the beginning of the new year in Maharashtra. People in Maharashtra celebrate Gudi Padwa by decorating their homes, cooking delicious food at home, and performing special rituals with family members.
Gudi Padwa 2026: Date and Time
- Marathi Shaka Samvata 1947 begins.
- Falls on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
- Pratipada Tithi (the first lunar day) starts on March 19, 2026, at 6:52 AM.
- Pratipada Tithi ends on March 20, 2026, at 04:52 AM.
History of Gudi
Gudi Padwa is also known asSamvatsar Padvo and marks the beginning of the Harvest season in Maharashtra. This festival is one of the most important Hindu festivals observed by Marathi and Konkani Hindu people in Maharashtra and Goa. Celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra Month, it signifies the start of the Marathi New Year.
Significance of Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa signifies the dayLord Brahma created the universe. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma introduced days, weeks, months, and years on this day. Another legend celebratesKing Shalivahana’s victory, symbolized by the hoisting of the Gudi flag. The belief is that a bamboo stick adorned with neem leaves and garlands, called a Gudi, wards off evil and invites prosperity.
Rituals/Things to Do on Gudi Padwa
- Wake up early in the morning and take a special holy bath by using oil before starting rituals.
- People decorate their homes with rangoli and Gudi.
- They prepare a dish with neem leaves and put some jaggery in it.
- Worshipping Lord Brahma is one of the main rituals of this festival and offering him bhog.
- Some devotees even perform hawan and yajna on this auspicious day.
- People decorate their homes with flags.
- Devotees also believe that hoisting a Gudi in their homes, brings good fortune, health, happiness, and wealth in their life.
- This Gudi also gives protection to the devotees from evil spirits and evil energies.
- People at last complete the puja rituals by distributing gram lentils, and cumin seeds along with prasadam.
Check Out- The Meaning and Importance of Mahashivratri
Things Not to Do on Gudi Padwa
While Gudi Padwa is a joyous occasion, there are certain things generally considered best to avoid:
- Engaging in negative or argumentative behavior.
- Consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol (especially on this auspicious day).
- Wearing overly dark or somber clothing.
- Neglecting cleanliness and order in your home.
- Starting significant new ventures or investments without proper consideration (some believe it’s best to focus on celebration).
- Disrespecting elders or neglecting family traditions.
