Gudi Padwa 2026: Grand Celebrations at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple With Gudi Hoisting and Rituals

The Marathi New Year was welcomed with great devotion and traditional fervour at Shirdi, where Gudis and festive torans were erected across the town. At the Sai Baba Temple, a symbolic Gudi was ceremonially hoisted atop the temple’s golden kalash, marking the auspicious beginning of the year. The ritual was led by the Chairman of the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan and District Judge Shivajirao Kachare, who performed the विधीवत puja of the Gudi and the Panchang. Following the sacred rituals, the Gudi representing faith and prosperity was installed, drawing large crowds of devotees seeking blessings at the revered shrine.

The day began early with the ritual worship of the new Panchang, an integral part of temple traditions. At around 6:30 am, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sai Baba Sansthan, Goraksh Gadilkar, along with his wife, performed the puja near the temple’s kalash. All religious ceremonies at the temple are conducted according to the Panchang, making this ritual highly significant. Temple priests chanted Vedic mantras while consecrating the new almanac. Later, the Gudi was also worshipped by Chairman Shivajirao Kachare and Deputy Executive Officer Bhimraj Darade before being ceremonially hoisted near the golden kalash of the temple.

Shirdi, Maharashtra: On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, a traditional Gudi was installed at the Sai Baba Temple pic.twitter.com/KTMXl8VSJ2

— IANS (@ians_india) March 19, 2026

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On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Sai Baba’s idol was beautifully adorned with gold ornaments along with a unique decoration of sugar garlands, known as sakhare gathi. The temple witnessed a massive influx of devotees from Maharashtra and across the country, all arriving to seek blessings and begin their New Year with Sai Baba’s darshan. Neem leaves, which hold special importance on this festival, were also highlighted for their symbolic and health benefits. Though bitter in taste, neem signifies resilience and well-being, echoing Sai Baba’s life teachings of enduring hardships while guiding humanity with patience and wisdom.

A series of religious events have been planned throughout the day to mark the festival. The Gudi was hoisted on the temple’s kalash in the morning, while a ceremonial bell ringing is scheduled at the Dwarkamai Temple in the afternoon. In the evening, a grand chariot procession of Sai Baba will pass through the village, attracting devotees and visitors. After the procession returns, the Dhoop Aarti will be performed, followed by a kirtan programme at the Samadhi Temple stage. As it is Thursday, the regular weekly palanquin procession will also take place, and the celebrations will conclude with the traditional Shej Aarti at night.