Gudi Padwa: Lord Rama's Victory, Marathi New Year, and Chhatrapati Shivaji's Legacy

• Gudi Padwa, celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa, marks the Marathi New Year on Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha, Chaitra month.
• The festival symbolizes spring, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil, deeply linked to Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
• In Maharashtra, it also commemorates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, adding historical significance.
• Celebrated as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Cheti Chand by the Sindhi community.
• Festivities include hoisting the 'Gudi' (a victory symbol), special Puja, traditional sweets like Puran Poli and Shrikhand, and a symbolic neem mixture for life's balance.