Gudi Padwa 2026: Authentic Marathi recipes for Gudi Padwa

It's that time of the year, when festive fervour can be felt everywhere. Right from lit up streets to decorated houses to the captivating aroma of sumptuous traditional delicacies, the spring season doesn’t just bring joy in terms of the weather and flowers but also fills us with celebratory spirits.

According to Hindu calendar, the Chaitra month marks the beginning of a new year and fresh harvest is celebrated in different parts of the country in various ways. In the state of Andhra Pradesh, people celebrate this time as Ugadi. Yugadi is celebrated by Karnataka. Assam celebrates Bihu and West Bengal celebrates Poila Baisakh. Gudi Padwa is also one of the most celebrated harvest and new year festivals in the country and is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra, Goa, and Daman & Diu.

The word ‘Gudi’ stands for Lord Brahma’s flag and ‘Padwa’ stands for the first night of a bright phase of the moon. The festival is based on various legends including the one which states that when the earth was demolished and time had stopped, Lord Brahma recreated life and then the age of ‘Satyug’ began. To celebrate the new age and the new harvest, the festival is celebrated across the country with a lot of enthusiasm.

As we all know that no celebration is complete without food and Maharashtra is one of the richest states in terms of food and tradition, the delicacies prepared during Gudi Padwa speak for themselves. For you to also have a taste of the festival, here is a list of vegetarian items that you can prepare at home. (Images courtesy: iStock)

It’s a major regional Hindu festival celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month, and marks the beginning of a New Year. Chaitra is the first month as per Hindu panchang or calendar. The festival name is made of two words - Gudi Padwa which means ‘flag’ and ‘the first day of a lunar fortnight’. The ‘Gudi’ or the ‘Gudi Dhwaja’ is a flag made with flowers, silk saree/silk cloth, sugar crystal garland, neem & mango leaves along with a traditional copper ‘lota’ that’s upturned. This flag is often put on a 5 feet bamboo stick, which is then kept outside the home. This flag is said to ward off the evil eyes and invites good luck in the house.

One of the most delicious, sweet delicacies that Maharashtra has to offer is Puran Poli. Filled with the goodness of jaggery and chana dal mixed with besan and cooked in lots of ghee Puran Poli can break all your health vows and make you cheat on your diet. A plate of hot, fresh and fluffy Puran Polis can add life to your Gudi Padwa celebrations.

Shrikhand’s recipe can vary from place to place based on the technique used but the primary use of hung curd is what gives the richness and smoothness to this dish. It is also one of the most loved desserts throughout the country. In summers, you can also prepare a mango version of the same dish.

When it comes to vegetarian snacks, Crispy Sabudana Vada is not only one of the easiest snacks to prepare but also the most delicious. All you need is some sabudana that can be bound with potatoes and you are good to go. You can choose to fry them but if you are looking for a healthier version, then baking them is also no less fun.

A steamed dessert, Modak has gotten a lot of fame in the food world because of its epic taste, their endearing shape and the cooking technique. Kaju Modak is a delicacy that is enjoyed on various festivals of Maharashtra, especially on Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padwa. These can be prepared using varied ingredients such as mangoes, chocolate and even coconut.

Maharashtra has such delicious food to offer. Batata Vada is a delicacy that has been native to the state and has made a place in people’s hearts outside of the state too. Typically made with a spicy potato filling wrapped inside a besan batter, Batata Vada can also be the best chai-time snack while celebrating Gudi Padwa.

There is nothing like too much dessert when it comes to celebrations. And if you agree with us then prepare this delicious and super easy Coconut Laddoos to bring a feeling of wholesomeness to your Gudi Padwa celebrations this year. One of the easiest desserts to prepare, you just need some time in your hands along with crushed coconut and condensed milk and you will be good to go!

Another Maharashtrian delight, Kothimbir Vadi are fritters made using coriander leaves as Kothimbir stands for coriander in Marathi. The leaves are first steamed and then fried after adding a whole lot of seasonings and spices to it. These leaves are combined and then fried in the shape of wedges. A purely vegetarian recipe, Kothimbir Vadi is also a must-try for this festival.