Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa or Chaitra Pratipada, is the new year as per the lunar calendar.  On this day in every Marathi home a Gudi is placed outside the house. The Gudi is a decorated stick. A silk cloth is placed on the stick and an inverted brass or copper pot is placed on it. Mango leaves are used around the mouth of the pot and it is tied to the stick. The Gudi is then decorated with flowers, halad (turmeric) and kunku (red vermilion). The Gudi is tied to a pillar in the backyard or to a window. Traditional Marathi dessert is cooked on this day.