A Gudhi Padwa new year festive procession in Maharashtra and Goa(Goan Hindus)...

Official name :- Gudhi Padwa

Also called:- Hindu New Year

Observed by:- Marathi and Konkani Hindus

It is celebrated in and around Maharashtra, Goa, and the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu on the first day of the Chaitra month, to mark the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar method of the Hindu calendar...

The name Gudi Padwa is made using two words- ‘Gudi’, which means flag or emblem of Lord Brahma and ‘Padwa’ which means the first day of the phase of the moon. Rabi crops are reaped after this festival as it also signifies the arrival of the spring season.

A Gudi is a flag made using a long bamboo shoot and a bright colourful silk scarf. The bamboo is covered with this scarf and decorated with neem leaves, mango leaves and a garland of flowers. This bamboo shoot is then covered with an inverted vessel made of silver/copper and this signifies the victory of good over evil. It is said that this ritual saves households from all types of evils and ward off negative energies. On the day of this festival, people start their day with an oil bath, after which they wear new clothes, decorate their homes by making rangolis. Prepare the Gudi and then do the pooja. Once the pooja is done, the prasad is distributed to everyone.