AstrologgerUgadi / Gudi Padwa
19 March 2026 · Brahma
2026 dates are good-faith estimates from standard panchang references — confirm the exact date and muhurat against a current Panchang before planning.
Significance
New Year's Day for Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi communities, marking Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — the first day of the Hindu lunar year. Celebrated with hoisting of Gudi (festive flag) and eating of bitter-sweet Ugadi pachadi.
Astrological significance
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa falls on the first tithi of the bright fortnight of Chaitra, the opening day of the traditional lunisolar new year in several regions. It marks the first new moon after the spring equinox, aligning the calendar with the turning of the season. Because it is set by the Chaitra new moon, the date lands in March or early April each year.
Month: Chaitra · Paksha: Shukla · Shukla Pratipada (first day of the waxing moon) of Chaitra — the first tithi of the Hindu lunar year.
How Ugadi / Gudi Padwa is observed
- Hoisting the Gudi (a decorated flag) outside the home in Maharashtra
- Preparing Ugadi pachadi, a dish blending six tastes
- Cleaning and decorating homes with rangoli and mango-leaf toranas
- Reading the new year panchang forecast (Panchanga Sravanam)
- Wearing new clothes and sharing festive meals
Frequently asked questions
When is Ugadi / Gudi Padwa in 2026?+
In 2026 it falls on 19 March 2026. As a lunar new-year festival the date shifts each year, so verify against a current panchang.
What does Ugadi / Gudi Padwa mark?+
It marks the start of the Hindu lunisolar new year for Telugu, Kannada and Marathi communities, on the first day of Chaitra.
Why does the Ugadi pachadi mix several tastes?+
The dish combines sweet, sour, bitter, salty, tangy and spicy notes to symbolise that the coming year will hold a mix of experiences.
What is the calendar significance?+
It falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the first new-moon day of the lunar year, close to the spring equinox.