Playgroup children take part in a welcome procession on the eve of Gudi Padwa in Mumbai on Wednesday. PIC/PTI
Women dressed in traditional nauvari sarees play fugdi during a Gudi Padwa procession in Mumbai
Gudi Padwa is the vibrant traditional New Year festival celebrated by Marathi and Konkani Hindus on the first day of the Chaitra month (March–April), marking the arrival of spring and the new harvest. It symbolises victory, prosperity and new beginnings, and is marked by hoisting a “Gudi” flag, creating rangolis, and enjoying festive sweets
The Gudi itself represents victory, often associated with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya or the triumph of King Shalivahana. Marathi families wake up early, take an oil bath, and hoist the gudi outside their homes, windows or doors. Many also consume a mixture of neem leaves and jaggery, symbolising acceptance of both bitter and sweet experiences in life. Streets fill with processions and traditional dances such as lezim, while homes are decorated with lights and colourful rangolis
A 25-foot-tall effigy of Veer Savarkar has been put up ahead of the Gudi Padwa celebrations in Girgaon
Meanwhile, in Nagpur, women dressed as Lord Krishna took out a bike rally on the eve of Gudi Padwa
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