Gudi Padwa or Gudhi Padwa is the first Hindu festival according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This is the beginning of the Hindu New Year, also known as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. This festival is celebrated all over India, mainly in Maharashtra. The word “Gudhi Padwa” is mainly used by Marathi-speaking people. It is considered a major Marathi festival.

Why Gudi Padwa is celebrated:

1. It is believed that Brahma created the universe on this day. Therefore, it is the first day of the Hindu New Year.

2. People of Ayodhya welcomed Rama on his return after he destroyed the evil forces of Ravana. So, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

3. Gudhi is believed to invite prosperity and good luck into the host’s house.

4. Gudi Padwa is one of the three and a half auspicious days of Hindus (Saadeteen Muhurtas).

How Gudi Padwa is celebrated:

1. All the family members get up early and raise the Gudhi on the right side of the main entrance of the house. The Gudhi comprises about a 6-foot-long bamboo stick with a colorful cloth hooked up at the upper end. Leaves of neem and a garland of battasha (a sweet used widely in Maharashtra) is also tied at the upper end. Then, a Kalash, with a Swastika made by Kumkum, is placed at the top where the colorful cloth is attached. This Gudhi is tied to the right side because Hindus consider the right side auspicious. This Gudhi is raised at the time of sunrise and needs to be taken down before sunset.

2. The house is cleaned thoroughly in advance. The vehicles are also washed on this day.

3. People buy new things on Gudhi Padwa because it is considered auspicious. Shopping for gold on this day is considered to bring prosperity. Many people choose this day to buy new cars, bikes, electronics, home appliances, etc.

4. Greetings are given to neighbors, relatives, and friends by personally meeting or through e-mail and/or SMS nowadays.

5. Hindus do not eat non-vegetarian food on this day. Some form of a sweet dish is made on this day. Shrikhand is one of the popular sweet dishes made on this day.

6. This is a public holiday in India. Generally, people do not go for outings on this day. They prefer to be at home and celebrate the festival.

7. Some people make New Year’s resolutions on this day. Starting new ventures on this day is considered auspicious, increasing the success rate.