Maharashtrians in India to mark a new beginning with Gudi Padva

• Maharashtrians all over the world welcome the beginning of spring with Gudi Padva as their new year.
• On this day a 'gudi' is first erected on the terrace - a long pole smeared with sandal wood , kumkum and turmeric atop which a silken cloth is tied.A silver pot is then placed on it and decorated with neem leaves and flowers. After the 'gudi' puja is performed , everyone is given a concoction of neem flowers, jaggery and tamarind to cleanse the digestive system.
• On this day the almanac for the new year is read out and the occassion is celebrated with lot of cultural programs.
• The feast on this day generally include puris, basundhi, jaelebi , matha, shrikand puri and puran poli .
• Gudi Padva signifies the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the next agricultural year.According to the legend, the gudi is symbolic of victory. It is also said that on this day Rama returned to Ayodhya after his exile.