Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 19: Marking the start of the traditional Hindu New Year, Gudi Padwa is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in Maharashtra and Goa. The festival symbolises fresh beginnings, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil.
One of the most distinctive rituals is the hoisting of the ‘Gudi’—a decorated bamboo staff draped with a bright silk cloth, adorned with neem and mango leaves, and crowned with an inverted pot. Traditionally placed at entrances or windows, the Gudi is believed to bring good fortune and ward off negative energies, representing success and triumph.

The festive spirit is visible across cities and towns through processions, cultural events, and community celebrations. In places like Mumbai, colourful parades, traditional attire, and music showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, adding vibrancy to the occasion.