Gudi Padwa is also popularly known as Samvatsara Padvo and it literally means the first day of new Samvat. Samvatsara is the 60 years long cycle which is linked to the position of Jupiter. Each year in Samvatsara cycle is assigned a fixed name and the prediction for the coming year is done based on the nature of new Samvat.

Gudi Padwa Origin | Significance

Gudi Padwa is the first day of lunisolar based Hindu calendar. Most Hindu calendars are based on an ancient treatise popularly known as Surya Siddhanta. As per Hindu beliefs, the treatise of Surya Siddhanta was revealed to mankind by the Lord Surya himself. Hence the origin of Gudi Padwa might be impossible to date.

As per Vedic astrology the day of Gudi Padwa is very significant. The day of Gudi Padwa falls under Sadhe Teen Muhurat. In Vedic Astrology, Gudi Padwa, Akshaya Tritiya, Vijayadashami and half of Bali Pratipada create Sadhe Teen Muhurta and these days need no Muhurta. It is believed that all work conducted on these days give positive results.

Gudi Padwa is also very significant for shopping and people do lots of shopping on the day of Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa Deity(s)

There is no specific deity of Gudi Padwa. However, Gudi itself is personified as deity and is worshipped on the day of Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa Date and Time

As per Amanta as well as Purnimanta Hindu Calendar –
Shukla Paksha Pratipada (1^st day) of Chaitra (1^st month)

Gudi Padwa Observance

• Adorning Traditional Attire
  Most family members get up early in the morning. After morning bath people get dressed up in traditional attire to mark the occasion of Gudi Padwa.
• Installing Gudi
  On Gudi Padwa, people install Gudi in front of the main gate. In Maharashtra, the hoisting of Kalash on top of a stick with a bright silk cloth is considered the symbol of victory. The whole arrangement of putting Kalash on top of a stick and decorating it with flowers and mango leaves is known as Gudi. Hence people begin the New Year on a winning note as the victory of good over evil. Gudi looks like a religious flag hosted in every household.
• Drawing Rangoli
  People mainly women folks draw beautiful Rangoli at the main entrance and especially at the foot of the Gudi as a symbol of auspiciousness.
• Worshipping Gudi – Gudi Puja
  Most family members worship Gudi with garlands, flowers, Akshata, Kumkum and Haldi. People seek for progress, wealth and prosperity during the new Samvatsara. It is believed that worshipping Gudi bestows good health, wealth and prosperity.
• Preparation of traditional recipes
  Traditional Marathi recipes like Shrikhand, Puran Poli, Rice Chakli and Bhakarwadi are prepared and savored with friends, relatives and family members.
  Apart from traditional recipes, it is customary to eat tender leaves of Neem and Mishri on the very first day of Samvatsara.

Gudi Padwa Regional Variance

• Gudi Padwa in North India
  In most North Indian states the same day marks the beginning of 9 days Chaitra Navratri festivities which culminate on Rama Navami. Gudi Padwa is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra which follows Amanta calendar. In North Indian states which follow Purnimanta calendar, the first day of the year starts 15 days ahead of Chaitra Pratipada or Gudi Padwa. Hence in Purnimanta calendars, the first day of the year begins on the next day of Holika Dahan. However, most Panchang update the Samvat i.e. Vikram Samvat as well as Shaka Samvat on the very same day under discussion.
• Gudi Padwa in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
  In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Gudi Padwa is observed as Ugadi. The Ugadi rituals are different than that of Gudi Padwa. However the essence of the day is same as that of Gudi Padwa and it marks the beginning of New Year in Telugu Calendar.
• Gudi Padwa in Karnataka
  In Karnataka, Gudi Padwa is observed as Yugadi. In Karnataka, it is very significant day and it marks the beginning of New Year in Kannada Calendar.