About Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year)
Gudi Padwa is the traditional New Year festival of the Marathi and Konkani communities in western India, marking the first day of the month of Chaitra. It heralds the arrival of spring and the harvest season, and is regarded as one of the most auspicious days of the year for new beginnings. The festival blends gratitude, prosperity and cultural pride, welcoming the new year with hope and joyful celebration.
The festival is named for the gudi, a bright cloth tied to the top of a bamboo pole and adorned with neem leaves, flowers and a garland, topped with an upturned vessel. Raised high outside homes, the gudi is a symbol of victory, good fortune and the warding off of evil. Families clean and decorate their homes with colourful rangoli, wear new clothes, prepare festive sweets, and exchange greetings with neighbours and relatives.
Gudi Padwa follows a lunisolar calendar and falls on the first day of Chaitra, usually in March or April. Because it depends on the lunar cycle, the Gregorian date varies from year to year. The live countdown above tracks the next Gudi Padwa for you. You are also welcome to add this countdown to your own page and share the excitement of the new year with friends and family.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Wednesday, April 7, 2027next |
| 2028 | Monday, March 27, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, April 14, 2029 |
FAQ
When is Gudi Padwa this year and what date does it fall on?
Gudi Padwa falls on the first day of the month of Chaitra, usually in March or April. As it follows a lunisolar calendar, the Gregorian date changes each year, so check the live countdown above for the next exact date.
Why is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi and Konkani New Year and the start of spring. It is considered a highly auspicious day for new beginnings and is celebrated with gratitude and hopes for prosperity.
How is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
People raise the gudi outside their homes, decorate with rangoli, wear new clothes and prepare festive sweets. Families gather to share food and exchange new year greetings.
What is the gudi in Gudi Padwa?
The gudi is a bright cloth tied to a bamboo pole, decorated with neem leaves, flowers and a garland and topped with an upturned vessel. Raised over homes, it symbolises victory, good fortune and protection from evil.