Gudi Padwa, also known as Samvatsar Padvo, falls on March 22. The festival falls on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, which is also marked as the Hindu New Year. Gudi Padwa falls on the day Chaitra Navratri begins and is observed by the people of Maharashtra and the Konkan region. Gudi Padwa originates from two words – Gudi means a flag or emblem of Lord Brahma, and Padwa means the first day of the phase of the moon. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa. On this day, people wake up early in the morning, clean their homes, take a bath and decorate the front gate of their homes with beautiful rangoli designs. The main highlight of Gudi Padwa is the hoisting of the Gudi or the victory flag which symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is believed to bring good luck to the family.
