Hindu New Year (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada)

Cultural, Religious, Regional, Public Holiday

Regional Public Holiday (e.g., Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, Sindhi community, etc.)

1 day (main celebrations)

Marks the traditional beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar year, ushering in new beginnings, prosperity, and the arrival of spring (Vasant Ritu). It is believed to be the day Lord Brahma created the universe.

Key Rituals & Practices

Abhyanga Snanam (ritual oil bath)

Panchanga Shravanam (listening to the new year's almanac predictions)

Gudi Hoisting (Maharashtra/Goa - an inverted pot on a stick, decorated)

Ugadi Pachadi preparation and consumption (Andhra Pradesh/Karnataka/Telangana - a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, symbolizing life's tastes)

Decoration of homes with fresh flowers, mango leaves (torans), and rangolis/kolams

Visiting temples and offering prayers

Wearing new clothes

Feasting with special traditional dishes

Cleaning and decluttering homes for new beginnings

Associated Deities

Brahma (Creator)

Vishnu (Preserver, cyclical time)

Saraswati (Knowledge, new beginnings)

Rama (in some regional contexts, marking his coronation)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Chaitra

Paksha

Shukla (Bright Fortnight)

Tithi

Pratipada (First day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

According to the Brahma Purana, Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this day. It is also believed to be the day the Satya Yuga (the Golden Age) began. In Maharashtra, it is associated with the victory of King Shalivahana over the Sakas.

Alternative Names

Ugadi

Gudi Padwa

Cheti Chand

Navreh

Samvatsar Padvo

Sajibu Cheiraoba

Vikram Samvat New Year

Shalivahana Shaka New Year

Gregorian Date

Typically late March or early April (varies annually)