Gudi Padwa 2026: Marathi New Year — Date, Gudi Hoisting & Traditions
Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year, celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. In 2026, Gudi Padwa falls on 29 March, the same day as Ugadi. The most iconic tradition is the hoisting of the Gudi — a bamboo pole topped with a bright silk cloth, neem leaves, mango leaves and a sugar garland, crowned with an inverted copper or silver pot — outside homes, symbolising victory, prosperity and the arrival of a new year.
Gudi Padwa 2026: 29 March (Sunday) · Verified Regional DataGudi Padwa
✓ Verified Regional DataGudi Padwa 2026
29 March 2026 (Sunday)
Tithi
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (first day of Chaitra bright fortnight)
Gudi Hoisting
At sunrise on 29 March 2026
Region
Maharashtra, Goa, India
About Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year and falls on the first day of the Shalivahana Shaka calendar — the same day as Ugadi (Telugu and Kannada New Year). The name comes from "Gudi" (victory flag or bamboo pole with cloth) and "Padwa" (first day of a lunar fortnight). The festival is observed with the ritual hoisting of the Gudi outside the home, symbolising victory and good fortune, followed by prayers, new clothes, sweet dishes and family gatherings. The streets of Maharashtra, particularly in Pune and Mumbai, are festively decorated with Gudis visible outside almost every home.
Significance of Gudi Padwa
According to Hindu tradition, Gudi Padwa marks the day Lord Brahma created the universe — making this the very first day of creation. It also marks the beginning of the Shalivahana Shaka calendar, and is the day when the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have hoisted victory flags after successful military campaigns, a tradition that Maharashtrians continue to honour.
The Gudi itself is deeply symbolic: the bright silk cloth (typically saffron or green) represents victory and prosperity; the inverted pot on top represents the overturning of misfortune; the neem leaves represent health and medicinal properties; the mango leaves represent abundance; and the sugar garland (sakhar gathi) represents the sweetness of life. Together, the Gudi is a prayer for a prosperous new year.
Gudi Padwa also marks the onset of spring (Vasant Ritu) — a time of renewal and new beginnings in nature. The day is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures, making important purchases, and performing ceremonies like housewarming, marriages and business inaugurations.
How Gudi Padwa is Celebrated
Early Morning Oil Bath
The day begins before sunrise with a ritual oil bath (Abhyanga Snanam). Sesame oil (or coconut oil) is applied to the body before bathing. This purifying ritual is performed by all family members to start the new year fresh and clean.
Hoisting the Gudi
A bamboo pole is wrapped with a clean, bright silk or cotton cloth (saffron or green). Neem leaves, mango leaves and a marigold garland are tied below an inverted brass or copper pot placed on top. A sugar garland (sakhar gathi) is draped over it. The Gudi is raised at the window or entrance of the home before sunrise, facing east, and is worshipped with incense, flowers and prayers.
Puja and Prayers
The family performs a special Gudi Padwa puja — prayers are offered to the Gudi, to the deity at home and at the neighbourhood temple. The almanac (Panchang) for the new year is read or listened to at temples.
New Clothes and Gifts
Wearing new clothes is an important tradition. Elders bless younger family members and exchange gifts. New year greetings — "Gudi Padwachi Shubhechha" — are exchanged with family, friends and neighbours.
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Special dishes are prepared — Shrikhand (sweet yogurt dessert) and Puran Poli (sweet lentil flatbread) are the most traditional. The Gudi is brought down at sunset and the sacred items (neem, sugar, mango leaves) are distributed among family members.
Gudi Padwa Foods & Festival Sweets
Traditional Festive Dishes
- •Shrikhand (thick sweet yogurt with saffron)
- •Puran Poli (sweet lentil-filled flatbread)
- •Aamras (mango pulp with puri)
- •Soonth Panak (ginger jaggery drink)
- •Poori Bhaji
Neem Ritual & Auspicious Items
- •Neem leaves with jaggery and tamarind (eaten for health)
- •Sakhar Gathi (sugar garland)
- •Mango leaves (decoration)
- •Coconut (puja offering)
- •Gulal (coloured powder for rangoli)
ℹ️ Dishes and offerings may vary by region and family tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details
Data Source
Verified Regional Sources · Marathi Panchangam · Shalivahana Shaka Calendar
Editorial Review
6 June 2026
Verification Status
Verified Regional Data
Region / Location
Maharashtra, Goa, India