New Delhi: Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri and the harvest season. Celebrated with joy across Maharashtra, it symbolises
new beginnings, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil. Homes are decorated with rangolis, fresh flowers, and the traditional Gudi—a silk cloth tied to a bamboo stick, adorned with neem leaves and topped with a bronze or silver vessel. The day starts with oil baths, wearing new clothes, and participating in family rituals that strengthen cultural roots.
One of the most cherished aspects of Gudi Padwa is the food. Families come together to prepare traditional dishes that reflect the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine, balanced flavours, seasonal ingredients, and age-old recipes passed down through generations. Here are some traditional recipes you need to savour this year for a memorable festival.
Gudi Padwa traditional recipes
1. Puran Poli
Ingredients
- Wheat flour
- Chana dal
- Jaggery
- Ghee
- Nutmeg & cardamom
- Turmeric & salt
How to Make
- Cook chana dal until soft and mash it with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg to make puran.
- Knead wheat flour into a soft dough using turmeric, salt, and a little oil.
- Roll small portions of dough, stuff with puran, and flatten into polis.
- Cook both sides with ghee until golden and aromatic.
2. Shrikhand
A creamy, chilled dessert made with hung curd.
Ingredients
- Hung curd (chakka)
- Powdered sugar
- Saffron
- Warm milk
- Cardamom powder
- Almonds & pistachios
How to Make
- Whisk the curd until smooth and light.
- Mix in sugar, saffron soaked in warm milk, and cardamom.
- Chill for an hour and garnish with chopped nuts.
3. Sabudana Khichdi
Ingredients
- Soaked sabudana
- Boiled potatoes
- Roasted peanuts
- Cumin seeds
- Green chillies
- Ghee
- Salt & sugar
- Lemon juice
How to Make
- Heat ghee, add cumin and chillies, followed by potatoes.
- Mix in soaked sabudana, peanuts, salt, and sugar.
- Cook on low flame until sabudana turns glossy; finish with lemon juice.
4. Batata Bhaji
Ingredients
- Boiled potatoes
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Green chillies
- Turmeric
- Hing
- Fresh coriander
How to Make
- Temper oil with mustard seeds, hing, curry leaves, and chillies.
- Add boiled potatoes and turmeric; mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
5. Aamras
Ingredients
- Alphonso mangoes (or any sweet mango)
- Milk (optional)
- Cardamom
- Sugar (if required)
How to Make
- Blend mango pulp until smooth.
- Add milk for a lighter consistency if preferred.
- Flavour with cardamom and chill before serving.
6. Kothimbir Vadi
Ingredients
- Chopped coriander
- Besan
- Green chillies & ginger
- Turmeric
- Sesame seeds
- Oil
How to Make
- Make a thick batter with coriander, besan, spices, and water.
- Steam the mixture until firm.
- Cut into squares and shallow fry until crisp.
Gudi Padwa is more than a festival; it is a celebration of heritage, food, family, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. Preparing these traditional recipes not only brings festive flavours to your table but also helps keep Maharashtrian culinary culture alive.
