Gudi Padava

The word Padwa is etymologically quite close to the Sanskrit word for crop which is Pradurbhu. Padava might be a corrupted form of the original word for "crop" which was used to term the new year festival. The term 'padwa' or 'padavo' is also associated with Diwali, another New Year celebration that comes at the end of the harvesting season, thus substantiating the agricultural link to the festival.

On the festive day, courtyards in village houses will be swept clean and plastered with fresh cow dung. Even in the city, people take the time out to do some cleaning. Women and children work on intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colors mirroring the burst of color associated with spring. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and it is a time for family gatherings.

For Farmers, this is a festival marking the end of one Harvest and the beginning of another, was a festival heralding the beginning of a New Year. Gudi Padava is also looked upon as a new year in some parts of India such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra occurs in the month of Chaitra ( March-April).