Overview
- Calendars confirm the Marathi New Year on Thursday, March 19, with the Pratipada tithi active from 6:52 a.m. on March 19 to 4:52 a.m. on March 20.
- Gudi Padwa marks the first day of Chaitra and is widely observed across Maharashtra and Goa, paralleling Ugadi and Yugadi in southern states.
- Core practices include hoisting a gudi decorated with silk, a kalash, and neem, performing puja, and beginning the day with neem and jaggery as a bitter‑sweet symbol.
- Gen Z participants are emphasizing sustainable décor, larger community processions, and expansive social‑media sharing while keeping household foods like puran poli and shrikhand central.
- Hospitality coverage notes limited restaurant promotions for the festival, though some properties such as Orchid hotels and partner chefs are offering curated Gudi Padwa menus.