Today on April 9 Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of Marathi New Year festival. It has a great religious significance among Hindus. The festival is also observed as the first as the first day of Chaitra Month. Gudi Padwa is also known as Samvatsar Padvo.
The new year day begins with a ritualistic bath, followed by prayers. People wake up early in the morning, clean and decorate their houses, wear new clothes and also put special gudi flags on their gates. It is believed that this flag signifies prosperity and victory of good over evil.
Maharashtrian women in traditional saree offer prayers at Gudi, which is placed at the entrance of their gate. They consume sweets , jaggery with tender neem leaves.
Marathi families in India and abroad celebrate Gudi Padwa festival and follow their tradition.
