Gudi Padwa festival marks the beginning of New Year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka. now a days its very famous and celebrated all over India. This festival is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and U gadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It has become a custom to hold Kavi Sammelans (Poetry recitals) on this day. Gudi Padwa is considered one of the four most auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures. It is believed that Lord Brahma, created the world on this day and which is why he is worshipped, specially, at this time . Lord Vishnu too is said to have incarnated as Matsya, the fIsh, on this day.
A gudi (banner) with a swastika -marked metal pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory and joy. It is reminiscent of the valiant Marathas returning home from their successful expeditions or war. People prepare for the New Year by cleaning and wahing their houses and buying new clothes. On the festival day they decorate their houses with mango leaves and 'rangoli' designs, and pray for a prosperous new year, by visiting the temples to listen to the yearly calendar 'Panchangasravanam' as priests make predictions for the coming year. In Maharashtra, it is reminiscent of the valiant Marathas returning.home from their successful expeditions of war. They honour their favourite leader, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The prasad of Ugadi/Gudi Padwa is the bitter leaves of the neem tree with jaggery. There are special foods prepared for this festival. In the southern states, 'puligore' -a sour tamarind rice dish, 'bobbatlu,' 'holige' - sweet stuffed bread and U gadi Pachadi made of jagerry, raw mango pieces, neem flowers and tamarind is prepared. In Maharastra 'shrikhand', a fragrant yogurt sweet dish. Poori a fried puffy bread is prepared.