Gudhi Padwa

Gudhi Padwa is celebrated all over the state of Maharashtra.  It falls on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated with much gaiety and festivity with people adorning their houses with colorful ‘rangoli’ (intricate design made on floor with colored powder) and bamboo staffs (gudhi) decorated with silk and crowned with a brass goblet. This ‘gudhi ’ is said to protect people from evil forces.