Gudi Padwa is one of the most important festival in Maharashtrian culture as it is a beginning of the Marathi year. This festival, celebrated with the arrival of spring, symbolizes renewal, prosperity, victory and a new beginning. Apart from this, this festival is also celebrated with enthusiasm in many parts of western and southern India.
It is interesting for everyone to know when exactly Gudi Padwa is this year, what is the auspicious time and what is the religious and historical significance behind this festival. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the Shukla Pratipada of the month of Chaitra. This day marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year. In 2026, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Thursday, i.e. March 19. The date will begin on the 19th at 6:52 am and will end on March 20 at 4:52 am. Since Gudi Padwa is based on sunrise, there may be slight differences in some places depending on the local sunrise time.
Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi, Navreh, or Chetichand in other regions, marks new beginnings, order, and positivity. Celebrated with new clothes, a decorated Gudi hoisted outside homes, and traditional foods like Puranpoli and Shrikhand, the festival embodies new life and hope.
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It is associated with the creation of the universe, Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya, and the victories of the Marathas. Homes are cleaned and prayers are offered in temples as people welcome the new year with joy and the hope of prosperity.