Happy Gudi Padwa 2026: Images, Quotes, Wishes, messages, Cards and Greetings, Pictures

Gudi Padwa or the Marathi New Year is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra. It marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated primarily by Konkani and Marathi Hindus. Even though Hindus around the country celebrate this festival, it holds special importance for the Marathis and Konkanis as it marks the beginning of the New Year according to the lunisolar Calendar followed by them. This year the festival of Gudi Padwa will fall on 19 March 2026. The festival is primarily celebrated in parts of Goa, Maharashtra and the union territory, Daman. The festival, Gudi Padwa, is etymologically composed of two words, ‘Gudi’ meaning flag and ‘padwa’ which stands for pratipada or the first day of the lunar fortnight. It is known by different names in different parts of the country. While Telugu Hindus call it Ugadi, Kannada Hindus call it Yugadi. Konkani Hindus call it Samsara Padvo and the Sindhi community refer to the day as Cheti Chand.

The term ‘gudi’ or flags is associated with this festival because of the numerous multi-colored flags that are seen on the roofs of houses. Less of a flag and more of a silk cloth that is tied to the top of a long bamboo stick. Boughs of neem leaves and mango leaves are also attached to the top of the bamboo stick along with a garland of flowers. This arrangement is capped with a silver, bronze or copper pot, called handi/ kalash which signifies the victory or achievement of Lord Rama over Ravana, while in some parts, the victory of King Shalivahana when he returned to Paithan. The arrangement is hoisted outside each household, typically to the right, or through a window or terrace.

Since the beginning of the month of spring is marked by the festival, it also celebrates the reaping of Rabi crops. There are several associations that the day has. Firstly, it is associated with the day on which Lord Brahma created the universe and time. While for some religious communities, it marks the coronation of Lord Rama after he returned from Ayodhya after defeating the Lanka king Ravana. In parts of rural Maharashtra, the festival of Gudi Padwa is linked to Shiva's dance and coming together of the community as they carry the ‘Gudhi Kavads’, which are colorful wooden structures, together to a Shiva temple.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and observation of full-fledged ritual. Spring cleaning is the first thing that is done, after which rangolis are made on the floors of houses. People dress up in new, vibrant-colored clothes that mark the arrival of spring and delicacies are prepared to celebrate the festival fully. Maharashtrian households prepare special pooran poli on this day. Other dishes such as pooris and shrikhand are also prepared and consumed.

Now that the festival is just around the corner, here are some messages and quotes that will come in handy to wish your near and dear ones.

May God shower on you, his choicest blessings and love on this day. Happy Gudi Padwa!

With love, light, peace and progress heading your way, May you have a great Gudi Padwa and an even better year ahead. Greetings of the day to you!

On this day when we celebrate the victory of good over evil, may all the darkness of your life be replaced by light, hatred by love and evil by good. Wishing you and your family a very happy Gudi Padwa!

I wish from the bottom of my heart that the occasion of Gudi Padwa brings a lot of love, peace and prosperity to your lives. Have a great day and year ahead. Happy Gudi Padwa!

Lots of luck, success and happiness head your way on this New Year. Wishing you the best of everything and the best of every day on this auspicious occasion. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Gudi Padwa!

On this auspicious day, I pray to Lord Rama for your happiness, prosperity, luck, fortune and all things good. May you have a fantastic day full of festivities and an amazing year ahead. Happy Gudi Padwa to you and your loved ones!