Gudi Padwa 2026: History, About Gudi, Food and Rituals

Gudi Padwa 2026 marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and falls on the first day of the Chaitra month, usually in late March or early April. Read below to know more about this festival! 

• Gudi Padwa 2026 Date: 19th March 2026, Sunday
• Pratipada Tithi Begins: 06:52 AM on Mar 19, 2026
  Pratipada Tithi Ends: 04:52 AM on Mar 20, 2026

What is the History of Gudi Padwa 2026? 

There are two schools of thought regarding the history of Gudi Padwa. Some people associate it with Lord Brahma, while others associate it with the Ramayana.

1. According to Hindu mythology, the day Lord Brahma created the universe was Gudi Padwa. He gifted us the concept of days, months, and years on the same day. 
2. It is believed that when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after spending 14 years in exile, people celebrated this day as Gudi Padwa by hanging dolls outside their houses.

What is the significance of Gudi Padwa? 

According to the Hindu calendar, Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the New Year. The word ‘Gudi’ translates to a flag or a banner, and ‘Padwa’ refers to the first day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar.

On this auspicious day, people in Maharashtra hoist a ‘Gudi’ outside their homes, a bright yellow or saffron cloth with a copper or silver pot placed on top of a bamboo stick.

It is believed that Gudi symbolises the victory of good over evil, wards off evil spirits, and brings good luck and prosperity to an individual’s life. It is a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and hope. 

What Is Gudi Padwa Pooja Vidhi?

On the day of Gudi Padwa, people perform a pooja. The pooja is a way to invoke blessings from the deities. People perform the pooja early in the morning, usually after taking a bath.

• People clean and decorate their houses with rangolis and flowers to welcome the new year.
• Maharashtrian households commonly display a stick outside, adorned with bright cloth, neem leaves and garlands. The stick flutters in the wind, attracting attention.
• People also offer flowers, fruits, coconut, jaggery and sweets to the gods and goddesses as a sign of gratitude.  
• On this day, Maharashtrians prepare and relish traditional Gudi Padwa dishes such as Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Poori bhaji. They also exchange sweets with their friends and relatives.

What Are The Things You Should Donate on Gudi Padwa 2026? 

Donating or acts of charity hold huge importance in Hindu traditions and culture. In this section, folks, we will discuss what you should donate to Gudi Padwa.

• Prasadam 

According to Maharashtrian culture and beliefs, people donate prasadam on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa. Prasadam is made by mixing neem leaves and jaggery. 

• Old Books 

Used books and notebooks are the second most preferred items for donation on the occasion of Gudi Padwa. However, in some cultures, donating old and used books is not seen as a good thing because people believe that giving away their books means giving away all their knowledge and wisdom.

• Food 

Do you know why people donate food, especially on the occasion of Gudi Padwa? According to Hindu mythology, donating food such as grains, rice, or flour removes the sins of past lives.

• Clothes  

People also donate used clothes to the needy to boost their financial condition. In Hindu mythology, donating clothes to the poor also lessens the impact of Shani Dasha.

What Are The Steps to Make Gudi? 

On this day, people traditionally make a Gudi, a decorated bamboo-and-cloth pole, and place it outside their homes as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Here are the steps to make a Gudi on Gudi Padwa:

• Gather materials:

You will need a bamboo stick or pole, a bright-coloured cloth, such as red or yellow, some neem leaves, and some flowers, such as marigolds.

• Clean the bamboo stick or pole and tie the cloth: 

Take the bamboo stick or pole and clean it thoroughly. Also, take the cloth and tie it around the stick, leaving some space at the top. The cloth should be bright in colour and should have a border design.

• Place the neem leaves:

Take some neem leaves and place them on top of the cloth. Neem leaves are auspicious and believed to ward off evil spirits.

Take some flowers, such as marigolds, and arrange them on top of the neem leaves. You can also add some mango leaves, which are also auspicious.

• Add a metallic or silver pot on top: 

You can also add a metallic or silver pot on top of the flowers. This represents a victory symbol.

• Place the Gudi outside your home: 

Once you have completed making the Gudi, place it outside your home, preferably on a window or balcony. The Gudi should be facing east or north.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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