Gudi Padwa is celebrated particularly in Maharashtra and the Konkan region as the Marathi New Year.
Homes are decorated. Doorways are adorned with mango leaves. And the distinctive Gudi — a bamboo pole with a bright cloth, garland, sugar-crystal necklace and inverted metal pot — is raised outside every home.
The Gudi
The Gudi is a symbol of victory and prosperity. It is raised at dawn on Gudi Padwa and stays up throughout the day.
In Mumbai and Pune, colorful Shobha Yatra processions fill the streets with traditional Marathi attire, folk music and dance.
Puran Poli and Traditional Food
Puran Poli — The signature Gudi Padwa sweet flatbread stuffed with lentil-jaggery filling.
Shrikhand-Puri, Basundi and other Maharashtrian sweets fill the day's meals.