Gudi Padwa, which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, is a major festival in Maharashtra. In the state’s capital city Mumbai, people celebrate it with enthusiasm, observing traditional rituals, dressing up in Maharashtrian attire and participating in cultural activities. Ahead of Gudi Padwa 2025, which will be observed on March 30, here’s a look at how Mumbaikars go all out to bring in the festivities. (File Pics/Kirti Surve Parade)
Updated On: 2025-03-20 06:30 PM IST
Compiled by : Raaina Jain
Gudi Padwa holds immense cultural significance in the city, bringing people together to celebrate the festival in traditional and vibrant ways.
Shobha Yatras, or processions, are one of the most important parts of the festivities in Mumbai. City residents enthusiatically participate in processions, reflecting Maharashtrian culture and heritage.
These processions take place across the city, featuring dhol tasha and other celebratory activities. Girgaon Shobha Yatra is one of the most renowned Gudi Padwa processions of Mumbai.
People are at their fashionable best as they don traditional attire like nauvari saree (women), and dhoti and kurta (men), completing the look with pheta and jewellery.
Mumbaikars also engage in folk songs and dances, and prepare festive delicacies like Puran Poli and Shrikhand.
Residential societies and community organisations host cultural programs, competitions, etc., contributing to the festive spirit.
Since the festival marks the beginning of a new year, devotees visit temples to seek blessings. At home, families celebrate the festival with colourful floor decorations and the special Gudi flag, garlanded with flowers, mango and neem leaves, also including an inverted silver or copper vessel.
This auspicious festival derives its name from two words — 'gudi' which refers to the flag of Lord Brahma and 'padwa' which signifies the first day of the lunar fortnight.
Gudi Padwa marks the onset of spring and the beginning of a new harvest season.
