Women in traditional attire at a 'Gudi Padwa' procession to mark beginning of the Maharashtrian new year in Mumbai.
People dance to celebrate "Gudi Padwa" in Mumbai. According to the Hindu calender, the day, the first of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar, is also the commencement of the Spring.
Women dressed in traditional attire participate in a procession to celebrate "Gudi Padwa" in Mumbai. The day also marks the creation of the universe by Brahma according to mythology.
A family offering prayer to the 'Gudhi' to mark the Maharashtrian New Year. The Gudhi consists of a long bamboo stick draped with bright green or yellow silk cloth over which sugar crystals, neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied, topped with an inverted silver or copper pot. Legend has it that Emperor Shivaji marked his victory with raising the Gudhi, also called a Vijay Dhwaj, on the New Year.
Maharashtrians also see the Gudi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces led by Chhatrapati Shivaji, hence the martial tone to the dances with drums and processions.
The festival also celebrates the end of the Rabi harvest and marks the begnning of sowing for a new season.