Gudhi Padwa, marking the beginning of the Marathi New Year, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state today. On the occasion of Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, various processions, cultural programmes and community activities have been organised at several places to welcome the New Year. Considered one of the ‘Saade Teen Muhurat’, the markets are bustling with people purchasing vehicles, jewellery and other items.

The Vasant Navratri festival has also commenced today. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have extended greetings to the people of the state. In his message, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the New Year brings happiness, prosperity and good health to all and urged citizens to uphold the spirit of Maharashtra and take pride in the Marathi language and culture.

In Sangli, a special musical programme titled ‘Sur Pahateche’ was organised on the occasion, featuring a performance by Pandit Bhuvanesh Komkali, which received an overwhelming response from music lovers. Meanwhile, the state government has launched a special statewide campaign titled ‘Gudhi Padwa-Pat Vadhava’ to increase student enrolment in schools. The initiative is being inaugurated today in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area at Mhetrewadi Primary School. The campaign aims to boost admissions from Class 1 onwards, bring out-of-school children into the education system and ensure that no child is deprived of education.

On the social front, various initiatives were also undertaken. At Kamayani Sanstha, 300 specially abled children were distributed salwar-kurta sets, bringing joy and enthusiasm among them. The programme was organised by the West Zone Parivar under the initiative of social workers Rishikesh Kondhalkar and Aniket Kondhalkar. Overall, Gudhi Padwa is being celebrated across Maharashtra with traditional fervour, cultural vibrancy and a strong spirit of social responsibility.