Gudi Padwa: The Marathi New Year
Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year day, which falls on the first day of Chaitra month. It is also the first day of the sacred Chaitra Navratri. ‘Gudi’ means flag and ‘Padwa’ comes from the Sanskrit word Pratipad and means the first day of a new Lunar month. It is a day of joy, reunions and meeting with family and friends. New clothes and hearty feasting are very much a part of the festivities. It marks the advent of the spring season and the harvesting of crops. Gudi Padwa has great spiritual significance and is linked to events in the Sat and Treta yugas.
This year Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on the 30th of March, 2025.
Why Gudi Padwa is Celebrated
In Sanatan Dharma, we are familiar with the three-stage cycle of Creation, Preservation and Destruction. After one such cycle, Lord Brahma created the world and this day was the day the Sat Yuga began. Sat Yuga is the purest of the Yugas and is marked by religion (Dharma), truth and justice. That is why Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day and the Gudi (Flag) that is hoisted is also known as Brahma Dhvaj (Brahma’s Flag). This is the day Gudi Padwa is celebrated.
Historical Importance of Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa is an important festival with deep historical and mythological meaning. It is believed that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. Another story says that Lord Rama defeated Ravana and returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile on this day.
A flag (Brahm Dhvaj) was hoisted in Ayodhya to mark this event. To this day, people hoist the Gudi to remember this day. The flag represents Shri Rama’s victory and the happiness of the people of Ayodhya. It is always kept high above everything else to keep evil out and bring prosperity.
Also read, How Telugu New Year is Celebrated
Victory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
For Maharashtrians, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a highly revered and iconic figure. It is believed he led his army to a great victory on this day and freed the area from the Mughals. Shivaji Maharaj is also known as a protector of Sanatana Dharma and a patron of countless temples and religious establishments.
The Gudi (Brahm Dhvaj): A Very Special Flag
On the day of Gudi Padwa, one of the most noticeable sights are the Gudis (Flags) tied on long bamboo sticks. This can be seen in almost every household, temples and other places. It is one of the most important items in the celebrations.
A Gudi is a large silk cloth with Neem and Mango leaves attached to it along with a garland of flowers and various ornaments. A copper Kalash (Vessel) that signifies victory is fixed to the top. This flag is tied to a long bamboo stick and hoisted from terraces and windows. It is visible to all. Often neighborhoods or villages get together and make a Gudi known as Gudi Kavad.
This is carried to the local Shiva Temple and hoisted there. The Gudi symbolises victory, good luck and prosperity.
How is Gudi Padwa Celebrated?
People celebrate Gudi Padwa with joy and follow many traditions:
- Hoisting the Gudi: A bamboo stick is decorated with silk cloth, neem leaves, mango leaves and a garland. A silver or copper pot is placed upside down on top.
- Rangoli & Decoration: Homes are decorated with colorful rangoli and fresh flowers.
- Puja & Offerings: People perform puja and offer neem leaves and jaggery and tamarind as prasad. This shows that life has both sweet and bitter moments.
- Festive feasting: Families enjoy special dishes like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, Kothimbir Vadi Aam Panna and Puri Batata Bhaji.
- Processions and Cultural Programs: People take part in parades, folk dances and music to celebrate Maharashtrian culture.
5 Traditional Recipies Prepared on Gudi Padwa
The traditional dishes bring joy and flavour to Gudi Padwa, making the celebrations even more special.
Here are some delicious traditional dishes you can make at home for Gudi Padwa:
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a popular Maharashtrian sweet flatbread, specially made during Gudi Padwa. It has a soft wheat dough filled with a mixture of cooked chana dal, jaggery and spices. The stuffed dough is rolled out, cooked on a pan and served hot with ghee. It is a delicious and comforting treat for the festival.
Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a creamy and sweet desert made from strained thick yogurt, sugar, saffron and cardamon. It is often garnished with nuts and served chilled. This dish adds a rich and refreshing touch to the festive meal, symbolizing happiness and prosperity.
Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir Vadi is a tasty and crispy snack made with gram flour, fresh coriander leaves and spices. The batter is first steamed, then cut into pieces and shallow fried until crispy. It is a flavourful and crunchy treat that is perfect for celebrating the festival with loved ones.
Aam Panna
Aam Panna is a cooling summer drink made from raw mangoes, sugar and spices. The mango pulp is cooked, blended with spices and mixed with water. Served chilled with fresh mint leaves, this drink helps beat the heat and adds a refreshing touch to the festival.
Batata Bhaji
Batata Bhaji is a simple yet delicious potato dish, commonly prepared for Gudi Padwa. It is made by sauteing boiled potatoes with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chillies and curry leaves. This flavourful side dish pairs well with Puran Poli and adds warmth to the festive meal.
Rangoli – An essential ritual
No Gudi Padwa celebration is complete without an elaborate Rangoli. A Rangoli is an Indian art form in which patterns are created on the floor using materials such as powdered colours, dry rice flour, coloured sand, quartz powder, flower petals and coloured rocks.
Geometric or natural patterns are used with images of birds, animals. Religious symbols like Swastika, Kalash, Pranava, Lotus or a lamp may also be included in the designs. This colourful artwork brightens up the atmosphere and spreads happiness and joy.The Rangoli is usually made at the base of the Gudi pole.
Festivities unlimited
This is a big day and everyone is sure to be dressed in new clothes, preferably white. Houses, courtyards and other premises are thoroughly cleaned. People bathe and apply aromatic oils and perfumes. Ladies prepare the Rangoli and the Gudi is ceremonially hoisted. Prayers are offered to Lord Brahma. Many eat bitter Neem leaves, sometimes mixed with Jaggery to mark the start of festivities.
Delicious food and sweets are prepared including the famed Maharashtrian Puran Poli. The day is spent in meeting friends and relatives and feasting. There is a feeling of goodness and spirituality all around. Gudi Padwa is specially auspicious for newly wedded couples. The wife goes to her mother’s house on this day and her husband (Son in Law) is invited for lunch.
Gudi Padwa Muhurat Timings
The celebration of Gudi Padwa is based on the Pratipada Tithi of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. The auspicious muhurat for Gudi Padwa in 2025 is as follows:
Pratipada Tithi (Date) Starts: 29th March 2025 at 04:27 pm.
Pratipada Tithi (Date) Ends: 30th March 2025 at 12:49 pm.
Gudi Padwa Wishes Quotes
- Happy Gudi Padwa to the one who is close to my heart and has been with me in all the ups and downs.
- On this occasion of Gudi Padwa, I wish you a life filled with success, health, prosperity and happiness.
- I convey my best wishes to you on this Gudi Padwa. May your life be filled with laughter, positivity and success.
- Raise the Gudi, fold your hands and pray to God for the well-being of your folks and mankind. Hope you have a Happy Gudi Padwa.
