For the people of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Ugadi is an important festival. According to the Hindu calendar, it is the New Year, Chaitra is the name of the first month of the year, and Ugadi marks the beginning of Chaitra.

Whereas, Gudi Padwa is the name of the festival in Maharashtra. All over the world, the festival is celebrated by people from Maharashtra, Marathi and Konkani. Residents of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also commemorate the day, referring to the holiday as Ugadi or Yugadi. Sindhi people observe Cheti Chand to commemorate the event. Ugadi and Gudi Padwa will be celebrated this year on March 22.

Ugadi:

On the first day of the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra, Hindus in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and parts of Maharashtra celebrate Ugadi, also known as the Kannada and Telugu New Year.

Gudi Padwa:

The word "Gudi" means the flag or symbol of Lord Brahma and "padwa" is the first day of the lunar cycle. The festival commemorates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after 14 years of exile. The gudi (standard) symbolizes Lord Ram's victory over the demon king Ravana. The Gudi was raised high, as a symbol of victory.

The day begins with worshipers taking a bath followed by prayers. To celebrate the joyous festival, people decorate their doors with torans of mango flowers and rangoli. People make Gudi flags by hanging red or purple silk scarves on bamboo sticks with neem leaves and mango flowers. Saakhar gaathi (candy garland) is hung on Gudi. This ceremony signifies the bitter experiences of life.

For Gudi Padwa pooja, silver, copper or copper is placed near the bamboo tree which is a symbol of victory. After the pooja, the Gudi is taken outside the house.

Women wear their traditional Navari and men wear Kurta and Dhoti or Pyjama. People support Srikhand and Puran Poli on this day.