Ugadi 2026: date and timings

Ugadi, called Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, is the lunar New Year on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It begins the Chaitra Navaratri. Families prepare Ugadi pachadi, which mixes six tastes to accept every experience of the year ahead, and listen to the reading of the new year's panchangam (panchanga shravanam).

It is observed on the day Pratipada prevails at sunrise. When Pratipada touches no sunrise at all, it is observed on the day it begins.

Shukla Pratipada runs from 6:48 am, 19 Mar to 4:45 am, 20 Mar (Indian Standard Time).

Windows follow the traditional rule for this festival and the tithi timing for each city. Tithi times are approximate, usually within about 30 minutes, so for a vrata or homam confirm the exact muhurat with your purohit.

Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Ugadi from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.