Gudhi Padwa is a spring-time festival that marks

Gudi Padwa is a spring festival celebrated on the first day of the Hindu calendar's Chaitra month. Maharashtra and Goa celebrate the festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu new year according to the lunisolar calendar. This day also holds significance in other states. It is known as Ugadi in Karnataka, Navreh by Kashmiri Pandits, Cheti Chand by Sindhis, Sanvsar Padvo in Konkan, and so on. The word “padwa” comes from the Prakrit equivalent of “prathama” in Sanskrit. It denotes pratipada, which is the first day of the bright phase of the moon.

The significance of the day is referred to in the Brahma Purana, an ancient Indian text. On the day of Gudi Padwa, Lord Brahma is said to have created the universe. This day is considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures, as anything commencing on this day is believed to turn out successful. Traditionally, family celebrations begin with the consumption of bitter neem tree leaves. It is believed that starting the new year with a bitter taste will bring success and happiness in the coming year.

Houses are swept clean as part of the traditional customs, colourful floor decorations known as rangoli are created, and special flags known as gudi or gudhi are erected during the festival. People in the villages use fresh cow dung to plaster their houses. Shobha yatras, or street processions, are carried out with great fanfare. The colourful vibrancy of the festivities reflects the joy and happiness of spring. The new year instils zeal and enthusiasm in people, and they leave the sorrows of the past behind to cherish the prospects of hope in the coming year.