Which of the following is the festival that celebrates Marathi New Year?

Correct option is B

​The correct answer is (b) Gudi Padwa

Explanation:

• Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the Marathi New Year and marks the beginning of the Chaitra month as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
• It is predominantly celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa with great enthusiasm.
• The festival is observed with house cleaning, rangoli decorations, hoisting of a ‘Gudi’ (a decorated pole with a cloth, neem leaves, and a garland), and preparing special sweets like Puran Poli and Shrikhand.

Information Booster:

Why is 'Gudi' Hoisted?

• The ‘Gudi’ is believed to ward off evil, bring good luck, and signify victory.
• It is said to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and also marks Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s military victories.

Other Festivals That Mark the Hindu New Year:

• Ugadi – Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
• Chaitra Navratri – Observed in North India.
• Baisakhi – Punjabi New Year, celebrated in Punjab.

Additional Knowledge:

• Pongal:
• A harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
• It marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.
• Makar Sankranti:
• A harvest festival celebrated across India.
• It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara Rashi) and is known by different names like Lohri (Punjab), Pongal (Tamil Nadu), and Uttarayan (Gujarat).