Auspicious Rituals and Best Timing for Marathi New Year Celebrations

Gudi Padwa, also known as the Marathi New Year, is a significant festival celebrated with great fervor by Maharashtrians and Konkanis across the country. This festival marks the beginning of the new year and the harvest season in Maharashtra. On this day, people display the Gudi (a flag) outside their windows or doors to welcome the New Year. It falls on the first day of the Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar.

In 2024, Gudi Padwa will be observed on April 9, which is a Tuesday. The auspicious muhurat for the festival according to Drik Panchang is as follows: the Pratipada Tithi begins at 11:50 pm on April 8, 2024, and ends at 8:30 pm on April 9, 2024.

On the day of Gudi Padwa, devotees start their day with an oil bath and special prayers. They consume neem leaves with jaggery or other seeds. Houses are decorated with rangoli, flowers, and vibrant colors of spring symbolizing renewal and growth. A special Puja is performed to worship Lord Brahma and a havan is conducted to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.

Women in Maharashtra create beautiful ‘Gudi’ in their homes and worship them on this day. The Gudi, made with an inverted silver or copper pot covered with yellow cloth and adorned on top of a bamboo stick, is believed to bring protection and prosperity to families. After the rituals and puja, prasadam is distributed among others, consisting of gram lentils, honey, and cumin seeds.

May this Gudi Padwa bring prosperity, joy, and new beginnings to all who celebrate it!