Gudi Padwa and Ugadi 2026 Highlights: From rituals to reflections, a day of devotion and new beginnings across India

Gudi Padwa and Ugadi 2026 mark the beginning of the traditional New Year, celebrated with great enthusiasm across Maharashtra, Kar...

The Times of India | Mar 19, 2026, 19:34:14 IST

Gudi Padwa and Ugadi 2026 mark the vibrant beginning of the traditional New Year for millions across India, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Celebrated on the same day, these festivals symbolize renewal, prosperity, and the triumph of positivity, bringing together cultural richness and deep spiritual significance.

Gudi Padwa, primarily observed in Maharashtra, is known for the iconic ‘Gudi’—a decorated flag made of a bright cloth, neem leaves, mango leaves, and a copper or silver pot, hoisted outside homes. It is believed to invite prosperity and ward off negative energies. The festival is also associated with Lord Brahma, who is said to have created the universe on this day. Homes are adorned with rangolis, people wear traditional attire, and festive delicacies like puran poli are prepared, adding to the celebratory spirit.

Ugadi, celebrated in the southern states, carries a similar essence of new beginnings but is marked by unique customs and rituals. One of the most significant traditions is the preparation of Ugadi Pachadi—a special dish made with six distinct flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and tangy. Each taste represents different emotions of life, reminding people to embrace all experiences with balance and grace. Devotees begin the day with oil baths, temple visits, and listening to the Panchanga Sravanam, where astrologers predict the year ahead.

Both festivals are deeply rooted in lunar calendar calculations, marking the first day of the Chaitra month. They emphasize gratitude, spiritual reflection, and hope for a prosperous future. Families come together to clean and decorate their homes, exchange greetings, and start new ventures, making it an auspicious time for fresh beginnings.

In 2026, the celebrations are expected to be even more vibrant, with temples, streets, and homes adorned in festive colors, and communities coming together in unity. From traditional rituals to modern celebrations shared across digital platforms, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi continue to evolve while preserving their timeless essence.

As the New Year dawns, these festivals inspire individuals to let go of the past, embrace positivity, and step into the future with renewed energy, faith, and optimism.

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Gudi Padwa and Ugadi 2026 Highlights: From rituals to reflections, a day of devotion and new beginnings across India

As Ugadi and Gudi Padwa 2026 draw to a close, the celebrations across India reflected a blend of devotion, tradition, and hope. From early morning rituals to evening prayers, the day marked not just the start of a New Year, but a renewed sense of positivity and purpose for the months ahead.

The kalash and cloth are cleaned and stored safely for future use, maintaining their sanctity.

The neem leaves, sugar garland (gathi), or flowers used in the Gudi can be distributed among family members as prasad.

Carefully bring down the Gudi without haste. It is treated as sacred, so the process should be calm and respectful.

Before removing it, perform a brief puja. Offer flowers, light a diya, and express gratitude for the blessings received.

The Gudi is traditionally lowered after sunset on Gudi Padwa, marking the completion of the day’s rituals. There is no strict muhurat prescribed, but the evening hours, preferably around or just after sunset, are considered ideal.

The Gudi is usually taken down after sunset or in the evening, marking the completion of the day’s celebrations.

As Gudi Padwa celebrations come to a close, the ritual of removing the Gudi holds equal importance. Performed with care and gratitude, it symbolises the respectful conclusion of the festival and the carrying forward of blessings into the year ahead.

Shraddha Kapoor, who proudly embraces her Marathi roots, celebrated Gudi Padwa with heartfelt enthusiasm. She shared glimpses of her gudi and a pooja thali, offering fans a peek into her home celebration. Her post reflected cultural pride and festive warmth as she extended her wishes.

Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh shared a heartfelt video that stood out for its authenticity. Dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire, the couple extended their wishes in Marathi, making the celebration feel personal and deeply rooted in culture.

Gudi Padwa signifies renewal, prosperity, and spiritual awakening. For devotees, it marks the creation of the universe, symbolises the victory of righteousness, and represents new beginnings in life.

Gudi Padwa is also a celebration of community and culture. Streets come alive with processions, traditional music, and dance performances, reflecting Maharashtra’s rich heritage and collective spirit.

In addition to its religious significance, the day is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings. Many people choose this occasion to start new ventures, make important purchases, or take significant life decisions, believing it will bring long-term prosperity.

Another unique aspect is the consumption of a mixture of neem leaves and jaggery, which reflects the philosophy of accepting both bitter and sweet experiences in life. This ritual highlights the deeper spiritual message embedded in the festival.

One of the most recognisable symbols of the festival is the Gudi, a decorated bamboo staff hoisted outside homes. While widely seen as a symbol of prosperity, it is also believed to represent victory and success, with some traditions linking it to King Shalivahana’s triumph.

While widely celebrated as a New Year festival in Maharashtra and Goa, Gudi Padwa is part of a larger cultural tradition observed across India under different names, such as Ugadi in the southern states

Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is closely linked to the onset of spring and the harvest season. It is also believed to commemorate the creation of the universe by Lord Brahma, making it a day associated with new beginnings and cosmic renewal.

Buying anything defective is avoided, as it symbolises obstacles and setbacks.

Avoid purchases that involve borrowing or debt-heavy decisions, as it is believed to carry financial burdens into the year.

The New Year is about renewal, so buying used items is considered inauspicious.

Items like knives or scissors are generally avoided, as they symbolically represent conflict or cutting off prosperity.

Spiritual traditions advise mindful spending instead of impulsive buying on this auspicious day.

Many also invest in home décor, appliances, or new items, as the day is believed to be शुभ for new beginnings.

Avoid buying black-coloured items or anything associated with negativity, as the day symbolises fresh and positive beginnings.

Boxes of sweets, dry fruits, and festive hampers are bought for sharing joy and prosperity with family and guests.

Wearing new sarees, kurtas, or ethnic outfits symbolises a fresh start and is a common festive purchase.

Rangoli colours, mango leaf torans, flowers, and Gudi materials are essential to decorate the home and invite positive energy.

Items like kalash, diya, flowers, coconut, agarbatti, and kumkum are bought for rituals and New Year prayers.

Buying gold coins, jewellery, or silver items is considered highly auspicious and symbolic of wealth and prosperity for the year ahead

Om Shanti Shanti ShantiA universal chant to invoke calmness and harmony in life.

Om Gan Ganapataye NamahChanted to remove hurdles and ensure a smooth beginning to the year.

Om Gurave NamahIdeal for attracting knowledge, clarity, and success, especially as Ugadi falls on a Thursday.

Om Namo Bhagavate VasudevayaA powerful mantra for peace, stability, and overall well-being.

Om Brahmane NamahChanted to seek blessings for creation, new starts, and positive energy.

Rangoli at the entrance is believed to welcome good fortune and positive energy. It also marks a festive beginning, inviting prosperity and joy into the home.

Mango leaf torans are hung at the entrance during Ugadi and Gudi Padwa as a symbol of prosperity, purity, and positive energy. They are believed to attract good vibrations, ward off negativity, and invite health and abundance into the home.

Another prominent destination is the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, where devotees gather in large numbers for special aartis and New Year prayers, marking the occasion with faith and devotion.

In Kolhapur, the Mahalaxmi Temple holds special significance, as worshippers seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and abundance.

In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is celebrated with equal fervour. Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple sees heavy footfall as devotees offer prayers to Lord Ganesha for success and prosperity.

In Telangana, the Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple emerges as a major spiritual hub during Ugadi. The temple hosts special poojas and distributes Ugadi Pachadi, symbolising the different flavours of life.

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Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
A universal chant to invoke calmness and harmony in life.

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
Chanted to remove hurdles and ensure a smooth beginning to the year.

Om Gurave Namah
Ideal for attracting knowledge, clarity, and success, especially as Ugadi falls on a Thursday.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
A powerful mantra for peace, stability, and overall well-being.

Om Brahmane Namah
Chanted to seek blessings for creation, new starts, and positive energy.