Friday, March 20, 2026
Maharashtrian New Year. A Gudi (decorated stick with a bright cloth, neem leaves, and a garland topped with an inverted vessel) is hoisted outside homes as a symbol of victory and prosperity. Marks Lord Brahma's creation of the universe according to tradition.
Dedicated to Lord Brahma (creator) and Lord Rama (for Ram Rajya)
Clean the entire house before dawn. Draw an elaborate rangoli at the main entrance. Decorate the doorway with a toran of fresh mango leaves and marigold flowers.
Take a long bamboo stick and tie a bright silk cloth near the top. Drape a garland of neem leaves, mango leaves, and marigold flowers. Top the stick with an inverted bronze kalash. The Gudi symbolises the flag of victory and prosperity.
Sit facing east at the puja area. Take Sankalp — dedicating the Gudi Padwa ritual to the new Hindu year, Lord Brahma's creation of the universe, and the prosperity of your family in the coming year.
ॐ अद्य चैत्र शुक्ल प्रतिपदायां गुढी पूजनम् करिष्ये।
Worship Lord Ganesha first with durva, flowers, and modak.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥
At sunrise, hoist the Gudi outside the main door or on the terrace — right side of the entrance, preferably higher than the ground. Apply kumkum, haldi, and akshat to the Gudi. Offer chandan, flowers, and incense.
ब्रह्मध्वजाय नमः॥ गुडी ध्वजाय नमः॥
At the indoor puja altar, worship Lord Brahma — the creator of the universe on this day — and Lord Rama for his return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Perform brief Shodashopachara with chandan, flowers, naivedya, and deepa.
ॐ ब्रह्मणे नमः॥ ॐ श्रीराम चन्द्राय नमः॥
Prepare a small quantity of bevu-bella — neem leaves, jaggery, tamarind, raw mango, and ajwain mixed together. This bitter-sweet mixture is offered to the Gudi and consumed first — symbolising that life has both sorrow and joy, and both must be accepted with equanimity.
On Gudi Padwa, it is traditional to read the new year's Panchang (Nutana Varsha Panchanga) aloud — announcing the new Samvatsara, its lord (Raja), minister (Mantri), and the predicted rainfall, harvest, and political outlook for the year. Blessings for the year are sought through this recitation.
Perform aarti of the Gudi with camphor — singing 'Jai Dev Jai Dev Jai Mangal Murti'. Ring the bell throughout. Bless the family members with the aarti flame.
जय देव जय देव जय मंगलमूर्ति। दर्शनमात्रे मनःकामना पुरती॥
Prepare the festive meal — puran poli, shrikhand, katachi amti, masale bhaat, and kheer. Serve on banana leaves. Elders bless the younger members with long life and prosperity. At sunset, the Gudi is respectfully lowered with a final short aarti.
This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.