Maharashtra is one of the biggest states of India, with a great mix of various religions, communities and ethnicities. This is the reason why festivals in Maharashtra are many, and each of them follows certain traditions and customs. People of the state like to have lots of fun, which is reflected in the celebrations that one witnesses during their festive occasions. The festivities involve music, dance and plenty of mouth-watering dishes. Diwali, Christmas, Eid, and many other festivals are celebrated in Maharashtra with great zest by its people. Among all these special occasions, the festival of Gudi Padwa has a special significance for the locals of Maharashtra. It is known by many other names in different parts of India, such as, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navroz and Baisakhi. This particular festival falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada according to the Hindu calendar. With reference to the Gregorian calendar, it may fall either in late March or early April.

Panvel, a city in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, also celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm. This festival in Panvel is of great importance for its Maharashtrian population. On this day, the people of Panvel and its surrounding regions like Karnala clean their houses and make an attractive design made of coloured powder called 'Raangoli'. A 'Gudi' symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and the happiness that this event brought upon his return to Ayodhya. In the homes of Karnala, one would always see a Gudi sticking out of a window. A yellow or green cloth, adorned with brocade or 'Zari', is tied to the tip of this stick. Sugar crystals, a twig of mango leaves, neem leaves and a garland of flowers is placed over this stick, and a pot made of copper is placed over it in the inverted position. There are certain things that have to be taken into consideration before raising the Gudi. The spot, which is selected to raise it must be on the right-hand side of the entrance. According to the Hindu traditions, this is the day on which the universe was created by Brahma, the creator. It is essential that the Gudi be worshipped within five to ten minutes after sunrise.

This festival is considered as the beginning of a new year according to the Hindu traditions. The new year celebrations in Maharashtra on this day also involve some mouth-watering delicacies that are prepared by the Maharashtrian people in their homes. According to the traditions, all members of the family should begin the celebrations by consuming neem leaves. In order to make this less bitter, a paste of neem leaves is mixed with jaggery and tamarind. This mixture is believed to boost the immune system of those consuming it, and is also very effective in purifying their blood. The custom of consuming this bitter-sweet paste also symbolizes the fact that one needs to accept the good and bad, happiness and sorrow. Later, they indulge themselves in grand feasts that involve some delicious items like Puran Poli and Shrikhand-Poori. The Konkani people prepare some unique items like Sanna and Kheer on this occasion.