How to Celebrate Gudi Padwa: Traditions & Dress Code Ideas

There's something uniquely hopeful about Gudi Padwa mornings. Last year, I watched my Maharashtrian neighbour wake before dawn to oil-bathe, prepare the ceremonial gudi, and decorate her doorway with mango leaves and marigolds; all while explaining to her curious daughter that these rituals weren't just tradition but active participation in welcoming prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

Her intentionality struck me. In our rush toward modernity, we sometimes forget that festival celebrations aren't passive entertainment but active engagement with cultural heritage, spiritual practice, and community belonging.

So let's explore Gudi Padwa's traditions, significance, and modern celebration practices—including what to wear—because meaningful participation begins with understanding.

How to Celebrate Gudi Padwa the Traditional Way

Morning Rituals

Gudi Padwa begins before sunrise with an auspicious oil bath (Abhyanga snan), symbolising purification and a fresh, positive start to the new year. People then wear new or freshly washed traditional clothes in auspicious colours, reflecting the festival’s spirit of renewal.

Homes are decorated with rangoli, mango leaves, and marigold garlands, while kumkum and turmeric are applied as part of the rituals. These preparations create a festive atmosphere and are believed to invite prosperity and ward off negative energies.

Sacred Gudi Preparation and Hoisting

The preparation and hoisting of the gudi is the festival’s central ritual, usually performed by the eldest family member. A bamboo stick is decorated with bright silk cloth, neem leaves, flowers, mango leaves, and topped with an inverted metal pot (Kalash), sometimes adorned with sugar crystals or sweets.

Each element holds symbolic meaning - strength, prosperity, resilience, purification, and victory - representing Lord Brahma’s banner of creation and Chhatrapati Shivaji’s victorious flag. The gudi is hoisted outside homes, facing east or north, and remains visible throughout the day to invite prosperity and share blessings with the community.

Home Puja Rituals

After hoisting the gudi, families perform puja by offering flowers, incense, lamps, kumkum, turmeric, and neem leaves, while praying for health, happiness, and prosperity. Many households also worship Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, or their family deities.

The traditional neem-jaggery mixture is first offered to the deity and then shared among family members, symbolising the acceptance of life’s bitter and sweet experiences. These rituals express gratitude for past blessings and hope for the year ahead.

Traditional Gudi Padwa Foods

Gudi Padwa cuisine reflects Maharashtra’s culinary heritage. The neem-jaggery mixture remains the most symbolic offering, reminding people to embrace both challenges and joys with balance.

Festive dishes like shrikhand, puran poli, poori bhaji, and seasonal vegetables are commonly prepared. Sharing these homemade foods with family and neighbours strengthens community bonds and helps pass traditional recipes and cultural values across generations.

The Importance of Gudi Padwa

Historical and Mythological Significance

Gudi Padwa holds deep mythological and historical importance. According to Hindu belief, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, marking it as the beginning of creation. The gudi represents Brahma’s flag and symbolises this auspicious cosmic start.

Historically, the festival also commemorates the victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana - both symbolising the victory of good over evil. The gudi resembles a victory flag raised after success in battle, linking the celebration to stories of courage, righteousness, and triumph.

Together, these meanings give Gudi Padwa a significance that goes beyond a New Year celebration, connecting personal renewal with cosmic creation, history, and the values of dharma.

Spiritual Significance

Spiritually, Gudi Padwa marks the transition from winter to spring and from darkness to light. It aligns with nature’s cycle of renewal, making it an auspicious time for new beginnings, starting ventures, or making important life decisions.

The festival highlights gratitude for creation, life’s blessings, and the promise of renewal. The neem-jaggery ritual teaches acceptance of both the bitter and sweet aspects of life with balance and wisdom. Gudi Padwa encourages people to live in harmony with natural and cosmic rhythms.

Cultural Significance for Marathis

For Maharashtrian communities, Gudi Padwa is deeply linked to cultural identity. It is not just a festival but a reaffirmation of Marathi heritage and traditions. The gudi displayed outside homes creates a strong sense of community pride and belonging.

The celebration brings families together across generations, allowing elders to pass on rituals, food traditions, and cultural values to the younger generation. For Marathis living outside Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa serves as a powerful connection to their roots, culture, and shared identity.

Gudi Padwa Dress Code Ideas

Dressing traditionally for Gudi Padwa honours the festival while adding to its celebratory atmosphere. Here are outfit ideas spanning traditional to contemporary:

Traditional Maharashtrian Styles

Nauvari Saree:

The nine-yard nauvari saree is a classic symbol of Maharashtrian tradition. Draped in a dhoti style without a petticoat, it reflects authentic Marathi culture. Though it needs some practice, wearing a nauvari on Gudi Padwa creates a strong cultural connection. Bright colours like green, yellow, saffron, or red work best.

Paithani Saree:

Paithani sarees from Paithan showcase Maharashtra’s rich weaving heritage. Known for their peacock or lotus motifs in gold zari, they are luxurious and timeless. Often passed down through generations, Paithanis are ideal for Gudi Padwa celebrations rooted in tradition.

Contemporary Ethnic Fusion

Silk Dhoti-Kurta Sets:
Dhoti-style pants paired with kurtas create a modern yet traditional look. Silk or cotton-silk fabrics in festive colours balance comfort with cultural appeal.

Anarkalis with Traditional Motifs:
Anarkali suits featuring peacock, lotus, or traditional patterns blend contemporary silhouettes with Maharashtrian elements. Colours like yellow, green, maroon, and orange suit the Gudi Padwa mood well.

Festive Kurta Sets:
At Aramya, cotton kurta sets available from M to 10XL are well-suited for Gudi Padwa. Festive shades paired with contrasting dupattas and hand-printed designs offer comfort while respecting traditional aesthetics.

Colour Guide for Gudi Padwa Outfits

• Yellow symbolises prosperity, auspiciousness, and new beginnings, making it the most iconic colour for Gudi Padwa.

• Green represents growth, fertility, and spring’s renewal, reflecting the festival’s seasonal and agricultural roots.

• Saffron or orange signifies energy, positivity, and auspiciousness in Hindu tradition and suits festive celebrations well.

• Red and maroon stand for prosperity and joy, adding richness to the celebratory mood.

• Pink offers a softer festive option, especially preferred by younger celebrants or those who like subtle colours.

• Black and very dark shades are best avoided, as they are not considered auspicious for festivals that mark new beginnings.

Conclusion

Gudi Padwa reminds us that traditions are living practices that create connection, meaning, and continuity. Whether you follow elaborate rituals or adapt them to modern lifestyles, what truly matters is mindful participation.

At Aramya, we believe festive wear should respect tradition while offering comfort and inclusivity. Our soft cotton kurta sets, available from M to 10XL, are designed to balance cultural relevance with everyday ease.

This Gudi Padwa, celebrate with intention, pride, and gratitude. Embrace tradition, adapt thoughtfully, and carry it forward with love.

Gudi Padwachi Hardik Shubhechha! May the new year bring prosperity, happiness, and blessings.

FAQs

What foods are eaten during Gudi Padwa?

Traditional foods include the neem-jaggery mixture, shrikhand, puran poli, poori bhaji, seasonal vegetables, and festive sweets. Homemade dishes are shared with family and neighbours, strengthening bonds and preserving culinary traditions.

What do people buy on Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa is considered auspicious for buying gold, silver, property, vehicles, new clothes, and household items. Many people also choose this day to start businesses or make important investments.

How to do Gudi Padwa puja at home?

Hoist the decorated gudi facing east or north. Light lamps and incense, offer flowers, kumkum, turmeric, neem leaves, and the neem-jaggery mixture. Pray for prosperity and happiness, perform aarti if customary, and distribute prasad. Rituals may vary by family, but the focus remains on gratitude and new beginnings.