Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra) / Ugadi (Karnataka, Andhra & Telangana)

📆 Festival Overview

Note: Tithi start-end, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana vary by location. For your city, precise Panchang should be consulted.

🌼 Significance

• Gudi Padwa and Ugadi mark the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar new year for many communities, celebrating fresh starts, renewal and harvest.
• In Maharashtra, the “Gudi” (decorated flag/banner) hoisted outside homes symbolises victory, prosperity and new beginnings.
• In Andhra & Karnataka (Ugadi), families prepare a symbolic dish representing life’s sour, sweet, bitter, saline, and astringent experiences — teaching acceptance and readiness for a new year. Wikipedia
• It coincides with the onset of the Chaitra month and the spring season (Vasant Ritu) — a time of renewal in nature and society.

🛕 Rituals & Puja Vidhi

Morning Rituals

• Wake before sunrise, bathe, wear fresh/new clothes.
• Clean and decorate home entrance with mango leaves, rangoli, toran (door hanging).
• In Maharashtra: Erect the Gudi — a bamboo or pole draped with bright cloth, garlanded with flowers & neem & mango leaves; topped with a metal pot (copper or silver). mPanchang+1
• In Andhra/Karnataka: Ugadi preparations — special dish (Ugadi Pachadi), visitation to temple, wishes for New Year.

Main Puja

• Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Peel, Neem leaves (symbolic of bittersweet life) — especially in Maharashtrian tradition. Prokerala+1
• Offer sweets like puran poli, shrikhand, & other traditional foods.
• Offer Neem with jaggery, sweet-bitter mix, signifying life’s ups & downs.
• Visit temple, exchange greetings: “Happy New Year”, “शुभ गुड़ी पड़वा” or “happy Ugadi”.

Charity & New Beginnings

• It is an auspicious day for starting new business ventures, investing, or making major purchases.
• Give donation, help the needy, offer food/cloth — bringing in positive karma.
• In many homes, the first day of Chaitra is used for setting intentions, resolutions and renewing spiritual practices.

🎯 Benefits

• Marks a fresh beginning, removal of past obstacles and karmic burdens.
• Strengthens family bonds, community harmony and positive mindset.
• Brings prosperity, good fortune and success for the year.
• Encourages gratitude, self-reflection, recognition of life’s dualities (sweet & bitter).
• Aligns personal life with seasonal cycle; harvest and nature interplay bring symbolic meaning.

❓ FAQ

1. When exactly is Gudi Padwa / Ugadi in 2026?
   It is observed on 22 March 2026 (Sunday). (Regional calendars may vary slightly; check local Panchang.)
2. What is the meaning of “Gudi” in Gudi Padwa?
   “Gudi” is the decorated flag/banner that symbolises victory, divine protection and auspiciousness.
3. What special food is eaten on Ugadi / Gudi Padwa?
   In Maharashtra: puran poli, shrikhand, neem+jaggery mix. In Karnataka/Andhra: Ugadi Pachadi and other traditional dishes.
4. Is it a good day to start something new?
   Yes — this day is considered highly auspicious for new ventures, investments, business or household beginnings.
5. What should be avoided on this day?
   Negative thoughts, failing to clean the home, ignoring family rituals. Also avoid handling major official work after sunset; do it after the auspicious period of the day.

📌 Important Notes

• Because of regional differences (Sunrise, Moonrise, & location), it’s strongly recommended to consult your local Panchang for exact muhurats, Nakshatra/Yoga/Karana details.
• Some sources show Gudi Padwa 2026 as 19 March 2026 (Thursday) in many Panchangs.
• The date 22 March 2026 is used here based on your listing; ensure regional calendar alignment before schedule.