One of the major festivals that holds a special place in the hearts of every Maharashtrian is Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi. It is celebrated as the Marathi New Year; this lively festival takes place on the day of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada of the Hindu lunar calendar. As per the sacred Vedic texts, it is believed to be one of the most graceful days. It is symbolised as the day when Lord Brahma fabricated the Universe. Fabulous, isn’t it!
The day of Marathi New Year marks the holy oil-bath ritual, enhancing the main entrance door with a garland of flowers, performing religious ceremonies, and hoisting Gudi. You can book an online Puja carried out by our astrologers to bring positivity and happiness to your life.
Gudi Padwa Celebrations 2026 Date and Time
Gudi Padwa 2026 will be celebrated on the 19th March, after the beautiful festival of colours, Holi. It is considered an auspicious and lucky day for all. The start of Vikram Samvat falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, which is the 1st day of the Purnima fortnight. It means ‘Padwa’ in Marathi, which speaks for its name. The timing of tithi is as below:
Gudi Padwa on Thursday, March 19, 2026
Pratipada Tithi Begins – 06:55 AM on Mar 19, 2026
Pratipada Tithi Ends – 04:450 AM on Mar 20, 2026
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History And Significance Of Gudi Padwa Festival
It is depicted in the Brahma Purana (a Hindu sacred script) that Lord Brahma had re-developed the entire world. This happened after a furious deluge in which time ceased and human beings got demolished. Time was reinstated on the day of Gudi Padwa, which marked the beginning of Satyug, the period of truth and fairness. Hence, people also worship Lord Brahma affectionately on this day.
One more legendary event that depicts the onset of Gudi Padwa is when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after winning over Ravana. The Lord, his wife Sita and brother Laxman were welcomed by the people in a grand ceremony. Hoisting Gudi or the ‘Brahmadhvaj’ (flag of Brahma) symbolises the crowning of Lord Rama. Hence, on this day, people hoist Gudi at the entrance door of their homes in remembrance of the triumph celebration that was done at Ayodhya. As per the texts, Lord Rama had also won over King Bali on this particular day.
Gudi Padwa comes with an added importance for the people belonging to Maharashtra state. As per the legend, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who was an honoured chief of the Maratha dynasty led the armed forces. He triumphed over the dominion of the Mughals and freed the kingdom in that region. Therefore, Gudi is also an emblem of triumph and prosperity.
To sum it up, hoisting Gudi at the door of our home neutralises any ill effects and paves the way for happiness and good luck. Business people also start any new venture on this auspicious day for maximum benefit.
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Rituals Of Gudi Padwa
- Create rangoli at the main door on this day to welcome positive energies.
- Hoist Gudi at the entrance door and offer prayers to it early in the morning after sunrise. The right side of your home’s main door is believed to be an active part of your soul, so try to place Gudi on this side.
- Embellish Gudi with yellow coloured silk embellishments, red flowers and twigs of a mango tree.
- Make the holy symbol Swastik using Vermillion or Kumkum on the Gudi.
- Lighting candles during the fest adds more grace and brilliance to the celebration.
- On the next day of Gudi Padwa, one can drink water kept in the copper vessel and place bamboo canes on top of Gudi.
- Serving water to people in need is also considered auspicious on this day.
Takeaway For The Marathi New Year
The internal core of the Sun is said to get highly active on this particular day. So during sunrise one’s body can absorb the divine consciousness coming out from the Sun and it would stay for a longer time. It gets stored in the cells of the body and is used whenever required. May this Marathi New Year bring immense joy and abundance to your lives. Happy Gudi Padwa!
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With Ganesha’s Grace,
The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team
Astrologers trained by Shri Bejan Daruwalla.
FAQs
When is Gudi Padwa celebrated in 2026?
Gudi Padwa in 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19th.
What is the significance of Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and is considered an auspicious day symbolizing the creation of the universe by Lord Brahma. It also commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the triumph of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj over the Mughals.
What rituals are performed during Gudi Padwa?
Rituals during Gudi Padwa include taking a holy oil bath, decorating the entrance with a garland of flowers, performing religious ceremonies, and hoisting the Gudi at the entrance of homes.
Why do people hoist Gudi on Gudi Padwa?
Hoisting Gudi symbolizes victory and prosperity, commemorating events such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s triumph over the Mughals. It is believed to neutralize ill effects and bring good luck.
How is Gudi Padwa connected to the Hindu lunar calendar?
Gudi Padwa is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the Purnima fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar, marking the start of Vikram Samvat.