Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra, which synchronises with the first day of the new moon.
The day signifies the beginning of the new year, the herald of spring and the harvest of rabi crops.
It’s also the day when it’s believed Brahma created the universe and the sense of time, Prof. Kumool Abbi said.
Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day. Many rural communities congregate at Siva temples on this day.
In Maharashtra, it is also the commemoration of Chhatrapati Sivaji’s victory over the Mughals. The festival is celebrated by cleaning and decorating homes with rangolis.