Ugadi
festivalsAlso known as: Ugadi, Nutan Varsh Prarambha
Quick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Tithi
- Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 06:54 AM, Mar 19 to 04:53 AM, Mar 20
- Lunar month
- Chaitra · Shukla Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa
Ugadi
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Lunar Month: Chaitra
Ugadi at a Glance
Ugadi is fixed by the lunar calendar to Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the 1st tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Chaitra.
- Tithi rule
- Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Purnimanta)Shukla PratipadaChaitra month
- Tithi swami and group
- Agni · Nanda Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- Chaitra NavratriGudi Padwa
Panchanga on This Day
Ugadi · Mar 19, 2026
About Ugadi
Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and as Nutan Varsh Prarambha, marks the beginning of the Chaitra month and the traditional Hindu New Year in Maharashtra and parts of central India. It falls on the first day of the waxing moon in Chaitra, coinciding with the spring equinox and the arrival of new crops.
The festival commemorates the creation of the universe by Lord Brahma and, according to tradition, the coronation of Lord Rama as the king of Ayodhya. A gudi—a bright yellow or red cloth tied to a bamboo staff topped with an inverted bronze or silver pot—is hoisted outside homes to symbolise victory, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Families begin the day with an oil bath, wear new clothes, draw colourful rangoli at the entrance, and share a special mixture of neem leaves and jaggery. The bitter-sweet taste represents the acceptance of life's joys and sorrows with equanimity.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Gudi Padwa is observed by hoisting the gudi, eating symbolic foods, and welcoming the New Year with prayers and gatherings.
- Rise early, apply oil to the body, and take a warm bath; wear new or freshly washed traditional clothes.
- Draw a rangoli at the entrance and place a toran of mango leaves and marigold flowers on the doorway.
- Hoist the gudi: tie a bright cloth, neem and mango leaves, and sugar crystals to a bamboo staff; top it with an inverted pot and raise it at a window or balcony facing east.
- Prepare and eat the traditional prasad of neem leaves mixed with jaggery, tamarind, salt, and raw mango to symbolise the varied flavours of life.
- Listen to the Panchanga readings for the New Year and visit a temple for blessings.
- Share sweets and gifts with neighbours and family; avoid arguments and negative speech to begin the year auspiciously.
Vrat Katha: The Coronation of Lord Rama
After defeating the demon king Ravana and completing fourteen years of exile, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana.
The citizens welcomed Him with great joy and placed Him on the throne of Ayodhya. His coronation marked the beginning of Rama Rajya, a golden age of justice and prosperity.
It is said that Gudi Padwa commemorates this coronation, and the gudi raised outside homes represents the victorious flag of Rama's righteous rule.
The festival thus welcomes the New Year by invoking the blessings of Lord Rama and the renewal of dharma.
Ugadi: Frequently Asked Questions
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada; its swami is Agni, a Nanda Tithi.
Shukla Pratipada: 06:54 AM, Thu, Mar 19, 2026 to 04:53 AM, Fri, Mar 20, 2026 (IST).
Chaitra Navratri and Gudi Padwa, also on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
The gudi symbolises victory, prosperity, and the divine blessing of the New Year; the inverted pot represents abundance, and the cloth represents good fortune.
Both mark the same lunar New Year, but Gudi Padwa is the Maharashtrian name, while Ugadi is celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Chaitra
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.