The Gudi Padwa or Ugadi festival celebrates the start of the new year as well as the start of the spring season in South India. According to the Hindu calendar, the celebration takes place every year on the first day of the Chaitra month. The festival of Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on 22 March 2023. Pratipada Tithi of Chaitra month will start from 10:52 PM on March 21, 2023 and will end on March 22, 2023 at 08:20 PM. 

The name Gudi Padwa is made using two words- ‘Gudi’, which means flag or emblem of Lord Brahma and ‘Padwa’ which means the first day of the phase of the moon. Rabi crops are reaped after this festival as it also signifies the arrival of the spring season.

The hoisting of Gudi is of course the festival's most significant event. People create a human pyramid to climb the Gudi to crack the coconut within after it has been raised. It is a significantfestive rite that is practised practically everywhere in Maharashtra. Only adult males and teenage boys are permitted to participate in this practice.

As per Hindu mythology, it is said that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. It is also said that Lord Brahma further created the concept of days, weeks, months and years on the day of Gudi Padwa. The festival is called Ugadi in South India and is considered to be the first day of the creation of the universe. This is why Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day.

The Hindu New Year begins with Gudi Padwa. The spirit of the festival of Gudi Padwa is especially seen in the state of Maharashtra. Also, this  festival celebrated with pomp in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Gudi means victory flag. There is a tradition of hoisting pataka (flag) on ​​the day of Gudi Padwa. On the day of Gudi Padwa, people of Marathi community worship by tying Gudi outside the house. It is considered an indicator of happiness and prosperity. 

Legend of Gudi Padwa: According to the legend associated with the celebration of Gudi Padwa, King Bali used to rule South India in the Treta Yuga. When Lord Shri Ram was going towards Lanka to free Mother Sita from Ravana. Then in the south he met Bali's brother Sugriva. Sugriva told Lord Shri Ram everything about Bali's misrule and terror. Then Lord Shri Ram killed Bali and freed Sugriva from his terror. It is said that the day Lord Shri Ram killed Bali, that day was the day of Pratipada of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. That's why every year this day is celebrated as Gudi Padwa in the south and victory flag is hoisted. Even today the tradition of hoisting the flag on Gudi Padwa continues.

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