Gudi Padwa 2025 | Date, Time, Rituals, Significance, and Celebrations in London, UK

Gudi Padwa 2025 — the Marathi New Year — is more than just a festival. It’s a fresh start. A celebration of spring, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. And this year, Gudi Padwa 2025 falls on Sunday, March 30, bringing the perfect opportunity to celebrate this vibrant tradition right here in London. Whether you're setting up a Gudi at home, preparing Puran Poli, or planning to attend a cultural event, this guide covers everything you need to know.

When is Gudi Padwa 2025?

In 2025, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30. It marks the first day of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar — also kicking off the new Samvatsar (year) in the 60-year Hindu cycle.

Here’s a quick look at the Panchang timings:

Pratipada Tithi Begins: March 29, 2025 – 10:57 AM (BST)

Pratipada Tithi Ends: March 30, 2025 – 08:19 AM (BST)

Fun fact? Gudi Padwa coincides with Ugadi, celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. So while the traditions differ slightly, the spirit of a fresh beginning is shared across communities.

Gudi Padwa 2025 : Hindu new year

Gudi Padwa isn’t just a New Year—it’s a deeply symbolic festival rooted in history and spirituality.

- It marks the coronation of Lord Rama after defeating Ravana.

- Some also associate it with Brahma’s creation of time.

- It’s the start of the harvest season, so farmers rejoice in prosperity.

In Maharashtrian homes, the Gudi (a vibrant flag-like structure) is hoisted high to symbolize victory, hope, and protection. It’s believed to ward off negativity and invite blessings into the home.

What is the Significance of Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa is celebrated primarily by Maharashtrians and Konkanis, but it is also observed in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as Ugadi, with both festivals occurring on the same day. The festival celebrates the Luni-Solar calendar, which combines the positions of both the Moon and the Sun to determine months and days. In addition to Gudi Padwa, the Solar calendar marks other regional new years such as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Vaisakhi in Punjab, and Naba Barsha in West Bengal.

For Maharashtrians, Gudi Padwa is an occasion to mark the start of a new Samvatsara, a 60-year cycle of the Hindu calendar, with each year named after a deity or significant event. The day holds great cultural and religious importance, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and the arrival of spring.

Gudi Padwa Rituals & Traditions

Oil Bath & House Cleaning : Start the day with an early morning Abhyanga Snan (oil bath). It’s believed to purify body and soul. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli and fresh flowers.

Traditional Attire : Women usually wear Nauvari sarees and men don kurta-pyjamas with a pheta (turban). It’s all about dressing bright and festive!

Hoisting the Gudi : A key ritual! A Gudi is made using a bamboo stick, covered with a bright cloth, adorned with neem leaves, a garland, sugar crystals, and topped with an inverted silver or copper pot.

It’s usually hoisted outside a window, balcony, or doorway — facing the east. It symbolizes victory, joy, and divine protection.

Eating Neem and Mishri : Families eat a mix of neem leaves and mishri (sugar crystals) — a symbolic blend of life’s bitter and sweet moments. Can’t find Mishri? Jaggery or tamarind works great too!

Gudi Padwa in London: How to Celebrate

Gudi Padwa in London may be miles away from Maharashtra, but the spirit of the festival shines just as bright. Many families start their day with traditional rituals at home—an early oil bath, decorating the entrance with rangoli, and hoisting a Gudi on balconies or near windows. It’s a beautiful way to stay rooted in tradition, even in the heart of the UK.

London’s vibrant Marathi community makes it easy to celebrate together. Cultural organizations host lively events filled with Gudi Puja, dance performances, music, and festive food. Whether you’re in Harrow, Kingston, or beyond, there’s usually a celebration nearby where families and friends gather to welcome the new year with joy.

Even a quiet celebration at home can be meaningful. Prepare a simple festive thali with Puran Poli and Shrikhand, dress in traditional attire, and spend the day connecting with loved ones—either in person or over video calls. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Gudi Padwa in London is all about honoring your roots and embracing new beginnings.

Gudi Padwa Events in London 2025

Whether you're in Harrow, Kingston, or Neasden, there's a festive Gudi Padwa celebration happening near you! These events are perfect to experience the spirit of Marathi New Year through cultural performances, traditional food, and community rituals.

Gudi Padwa 2025 by Maharashtra Mandal London – Harrow Arts Centre

Looking for a traditional Gudi Padwa celebration in Harrow, London? Maharashtra Mandal London (MML), one of the UK’s oldest Marathi organizations, is hosting its grand annual New Year program filled with vibrant culture and community warmth.

Location: Harrow Arts Centre, London
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM onward

Highlights:

• - Authentic Gudi Puja ceremony
• - Cultural showcase with dance, drama, and live music
• - Fancy dress competition for kids
• - Traditional Maharashtrian dinner

Gudi Padwa Utsav 2025 – London Marathi Mitra Mandal, Kingston

Celebrate Gudi Padwa in Kingston with London Marathi Mitra Mandal — a lively community event designed for all ages. Whether you're new to the UK or a longtime resident, this is a great way to connect with Marathi culture.

Location: Kingston Community Centre, London
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

What’s happening:

• - Shringar Gudi-making workshop for children
• - Poetry readings and live singing performances
• - Festive stalls with Puran Poli, Modaks, and snacks
• - Family photo booth with Maharashtrian-themed props

Entry: Free (Donations welcome)
Note: Ideal for young families and first-time attendees looking to learn about Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa & Ugadi Joint Celebration – Neasden Temple Community Hall

If you're looking for a unique, inclusive festival experience, don’t miss this joint celebration of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi hosted by the UK Dharma Cultural Forum. It brings together Maharashtrian and South Indian communities for a shared cultural evening.

Location: Neasden Temple Community Hall, London
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

What to expect:

• - Combined Panchanga Shravanam (New Year reading)
• - Bhajans and devotional music in Marathi & Telugu
• - Traditional vegetarian dinner featuring festive dishes from both regions
• - Cultural unity and cross-community networking

Entry: RSVP via UK Dharma Forum Facebook page
Note: Perfect for those celebrating both Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, or curious about India’s

Gudi Padwa 2025 : Traditional Food You Can Enjoy in London

No Gudi Padwa is complete without food!

Puran Poli – Sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and dal

Shrikhand – Creamy yogurt dessert flavored with saffron & cardamom

Batata Bhaji, Kothimbir Vadi, Pooris – Savory staples for the festive thali

Final Thoughts

Wherever you are — be it Pune or Peckham — Gudi Padwa is a moment to pause, refresh, and look ahead with hope. The London Marathi community may be thousands of miles from home, but the traditions are just as alive, joyful, and meaningful.

So dress up, hoist your Gudi, and join a local celebration this March 30. Gudi Padwa Chya Hardik Shubhechha! 🌸