Gudi Padwa 2026: When is Marathi New Year? Check date, rituals and significance

Gudi Padwa is one of the most significant festivals that is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa. This is celebrated all Konkani community with great grandeur and enthusiasm. Marathi Hindus hold a great religious and spiritual significance. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the pratipada tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Chaitra. The festival is being celebrated today, on March 19, 2026.

Gudi Padwa 2026: Date and Time

Gudi Padwa 2026: Significance

Gudi Padwa is the most prominent Hindu festival, which is mainly celebrated by Marathi and Konkani community in Maharashtra and Goa. This falls on pratipada tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Chaitra. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across Maharashtra and the day marks the beginning of harvest season. Gudi Padwa is also celebrated as Marathi New year. Gudi Padwa is the combination of two words - Gudi means flag and padwa means the first day of Shukla Paksha Pratipada.

Gudi Padwa 2026: History

According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that Lord Brahma started created this universe on this particular day. This was the auspicious day when Lord Brahma created time, cosmos and living beings. The day is considered highly auspicious and sacred for the new beginnings, fresh start and new ventures. People can make new resolutions, new plans and set new goals.

Gudi Padwa 2026: Puja Rituals

1. Before beginning rituals, get up early and take a holy bath.

2. They use oil to take a nice bath.

3. They make rangoli and decorate their homes with decorative material.

4. They use neem leaves and jaggery to make a dish.

5. One of the festival's primary customs is to worship Lord Brahma and give him bhog prasad.

6. On this auspicious day, some devotees even do yajna and hawan.

7. People use bamboo sticks flags to adorn their houses.

8. Raising a Gudi in their houses will bring wealth, prosperity, health, and good fortune.

9. It is believed that this Gudi protects the devotees from harmful spirits and energies by this Gudi.

10. People complete the puja ceremonies by distributing prasadam, cumin seeds, and gram lentils.