Gudi Padwa is the Marathi Hindu New Year, celebrated on the first day of spring. Send invitations and greetings featuring the iconic gudi—a decorated pole with cloth, flowers, and leaves.

About Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year and the arrival of spring, celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March or April). The occasion centers on hoisting the gudi—a bamboo pole decorated with a cloth (often silk in bright colors), marigold flowers, neem leaves, and mango leaves. Families display the gudi outside their homes as a symbol of prosperity and victory. The day involves prayer, new clothes, a special meal with jaggery and chickpea mixture, and visiting friends and family. Invitations typically communicate the date, time for gudi hoisting ceremonies, and details of any family gathering or celebration meal. Marathi communities observe this as a fresh start, and many exchange greeting cards and good wishes. Regional variations exist within Maharashtra, with some families emphasizing specific rituals or decorative styles.

Cultural context

Gudi Padwa is rooted in Hindu tradition and marks the beginning of the new year in the Marathi calendar. The gudi itself represents victory and prosperity, with its upright pole symbolizing triumph. The decoration with cloth, flowers, and leaves has ancient agricultural significance, honoring the spring harvest season. The occasion is observed primarily in Maharashtra and among Marathi diaspora communities.