All-Woman Bike Rally Ushers Gudi Padwa Festivity In City Traditional rituals, cultural showcases, and community-led programs across several localities in Nagpur will mark the beginning of Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, and Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year, on Thursday. Gudi Padwa, which heralds the start of the Chaitra Navratri festivities, will see citizens hoisting the Gudi—a symbolic arrangement of a bamboo stick draped in silk cloth, adorned with neem leaves, mango twigs, and an inverted pot. This emblem represents victory, prosperity, and new beginnings. Markets in areas like Mahal, Sitabuldi, and Dharampeth saw increased foot traffic as shoppers purchased rangoli, garlands, traditional attire, and decorative items ahead of the festival. The Nav Varsha Swagat Samiti (Itwari Division) organized a “Women’s Bike Rally” on the eve of Gudi Padwa for the 18th consecutive year. The event began at Agyaram Devi Mandir and concluded at Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir, traversing routes such as Ganeshpeth, Tilak Putla, Chhatraparti Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Kelibagh Road, Badkas Chowk, Gandhibagh, and Agrasen Chowk. Women participated on Bullets, motorcycles, and scooters, dressed in traditional attire like paithanis. Many also wore fetas and safas, adding cultural vibrancy to the procession. One participant painted herself in peacock blue to portray Lord Krishna, drawing admiration from onlookers. The rally blended celebration with cultural expression, enhancing the festive spirit across the city. Students from Shri Chhatrapati High School and Junior College performed a lathi-kathi (a traditional martial arts) demonstration during the event. Cultural organizations and mandals planned shobha yatras and performances to commemorate the occasion.#gudi_padwa #nav_varsha_swagat_samiti #agyaram_devimandir #shri_poddareshwar_ram_mandir #shri_chhatrapati_high_school
