Gudi Padwa and Ugadi 2026 Highlights: From rituals to reflections, a day of devotion and new beginnings across India

Accept life’s dual nature, this symbolic act aligns your mind to handle both success and challenges gracefully.

Wearing yellow or gold is considered शुभ, especially as this year begins on a Thursday (ruled by Jupiter), enhancing luck and growth.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today greeted the people on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Cheti Chand , Navreh, and Sajibu Cheiraoba.

In separate posts on X, The Prime Minister wrote:

“Best wishes on Gudi Padwa!”

“गुढीपाडव्याच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!”

“गुडी पाडव्याचीं परबीं”

“Have a wonderful Ugadi!”

“ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಯುಗಾದಿ ಸಡಗರದಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿರಲಿ! ”

“ఉగాది పండుగను ఆనందంగా జరుపుకోండి! ”

“Best wishes on Cheti Chand! Praying for a very good year.”

“Navreh Poshte! Have a great year ahead.”

“Sajibu Cheiraoba greetings. Wishing everyone a wonderful year.”

Neem is known for its medicinal and detoxifying properties, helping to purify the body, especially during the seasonal transition into spring/summer. Jaggery aids digestion and provides natural energy, making the combination both symbolic and beneficial.

This tradition is a gentle reminder to stay emotionally balanced—to remain grounded during happy times and resilient during difficult moments. It aligns with the broader Hindu philosophy of embracing life in its entirety.

Prepare a mixture of neem leaves and jaggery and offer it as prasad. This signifies accepting both sweetness and bitterness in life with balance.

Offer flowers and akshat (unbroken rice) at the base of the Gudi. Light a diya and incense sticks. Chant prayers dedicated to prosperity and well-being, invoking divine blessings for the New Year.

Place the Gudi at the main entrance, balcony, or window, ensuring it faces east, the direction of the rising sun. It should be raised slightly tilted, symbolising victory and success.

On Ugadi, people clean their homes and decorate their prayer rooms with flowers, rangoli, and lamps. People pray to gods and goddesses like Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi for good health, money, and success. A lot of families also bring candy, flowers, fruit, and oil lamps to the prayers. A lot of people go to temples in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana on this day.

To make their homes look nice, people hang mango leaf decorations called torans on their front doors. Hindus belive that mango leaves are sacred and will bring them good fortune and wealth. When your leaves are green, it means you have a lot of something, like health or growth. This decoration also means that you want God to bless your home and give you good luck for the next year.

Gudi Padwa and Ugadi 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The auspicious pratipada thiti begins at 6:52 AM on March 19th and ends at 4:52 AM on March 20.