Gudi Padwa 2025: A Guide to Best Shobhayatras in Mumbai, Pune and Nashik

Like every year, we see people flaunting their Instagram stories and posts about the Gudi Padwa processions they attend. If you are a Mumbaikar, you know how the chaotic and traffic-jammed streets suddenly change into a vibrant, lively and festive atmosphere. Gudi Padwa, also known as the Maharashtrian New Year, is attended by flocks of people every year. The festival is a rich tapestry of tradition, culture and new beginnings. It usually falls on the first day of the Hindu Lunar month of Chaitra (According to the Gregorian calendar, March and April).

But why do we celebrate Gudi Padwa? The term "Gudi" means flag, "Padwa" means the first day of the lunar fortnight and "Shobhayatra" means a procession. Many people say it was on this day that Lord Ram commemorated his win over Ravan, while some say it is the day when Lord Brahma created the universe. While people may have different beliefs, all Mumbaikars unite to celebrate this festival. Maharashtra has a few renowned Shobhayatras, may it be the iconic Girgaon Shobhayatra or the Puneri-dhol-inspired Shobhayatra in Pune, people from all over come together to seek blessings, spread positivity and soak in the festive spirit. If you want to experience the best of Maharashtrian culture this Gudi Padwa, read this article on which are the best Shobhayatras one can visit in Mumbai, Pune and Nashik.

Girgaon, Mumbai 

One of Mumbai’s most eagerly anticipated Gudi Padwa Shobhayatra is the Girgaon Shobhayatra. Many people who are non-Maharashtra residents or Maharashtrians are seen enjoying and attending this cultural event. The procession is conducted by the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Pratishtan every year. As per the details shared by the committee on Instagram, the Yatra (procession) will be conducted on Sunday, March 30th, at 8:00 AM from Phadke Wadi Temple in Girgaon. It is more than a cultural event as people also come together and break unrealistic norms set by society, like women conducting bike rallies and wearing traditional headgear, which is usually worn by men called ‘Pheta.’  People of all ages participate and there are various types of cultural performances held. Kids are seen dressed up as young versions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Other than that, we can also see the streets of Girgaon adorned with flowers, decorations, and colourful rangolis and every home hoisting a Gudi. Irrespective of their backgrounds, people come together to be a part of these cultural events and celebrate the diversity of our nation as we welcome the new year. 

Ville Parle, Mumbai

All Mumbaikars must once visit the Ville Parle Shobhayatra. Though the scale of the procession is much smaller than the Girgaon Shobhayatra, the lively atmosphere, the chants and the music make it an unforgettable experience. Conducted by the Parleshwar Temple committee, the procession passes through many lanes of Ville Parle East, like Hanuman Road and MG Road. Several competitions are held wherein people perform, decorate the streets with flowers and rangolis.

Thane

The Shobhayatra held in Thane should be on your bucket list. Known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, Thane Shobhayatra, or the ‘Swagat Yatra,' starts at around 6:30 AM after performing ‘Aarati’ and salutations to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The procession begins at the Kopineshwar Mandir and passes through places like Jambli Naka, Chintamani Chowk, Dagdi School, Gajanan Maharaj Mandir, Hariniwas Circle, Gokhale Road, Ram Maruti Road and Masunda Lake. It ends in a complete circle back at the Kopineshwar Mandir. Many people gather to witness the lively cultural performances and the music played by the Dhol and Tasha Pathak. In what used to be a male-dominated area, we now see women empowering themselves, participating in these cultural activities and playing an active role. This year, Pandits from Haridwar will be gracing the Shobhayarta by performing a Ganga Aarati by the Masunda Lake. 

Dombivali, Thane District

Another place known for its Gudi Padwa Shobhayatra is Dombivali. People wear traditional clothes, donning Maharashtrian cultural jewellery like ‘Nath’ (nose ring), 'Thushi’ ( a choker-like necklace), 'Bajuband’ (armlet) and many more such accessories. The atmosphere quickly changes from any regular day to a festive spirit when the Pathak (a musical band) starts playing the dhol and tasha. In Dombivali, the procession usually takes place near Ganesh Mandir, which is beautifully decorated with flowers as devotees come to offer prayers and seek blessings. A Gudi is hoisted near the temple. After offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, the procession begins. The atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion and positivity, a perfect way to start the new year.

Nashik

The Gudi Padwa procession at Nashik starts from the holy shrine of the Kala Ram Mandir, situated near the banks of the Godavari River. Devotees of all ages gather to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Ram. The procession passes through many places throughout the city, one of them being ‘Panchavati’, where people believe Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman spent a part of their exile. The New Year is celebrated by producing an echoing sound from the ‘Shanka’ or the conch shell. People can be seen dancing to the beats of the popular 'Nashik Dhol.'

Pune

Like every year, Pune also witnesses massive footfalls for its Gudi Padwa Shobhayatra. The Shobhayatra is conducted in Kothrud and begins from the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. From children to senior citizens, all people gather and celebrate this festival with joy and positivity. The 'Dhol Tasha Pathak' plays Puneri-inspired music. In terms of traditional attire, men opt for a 'Dhoti' and a 'Sadra' or 'Kurta', whereas women are seen wearing a 'Nauvari Saare' (nine-yard) or a normal 'Sahavari Saare' (six-yard) and donning traditional jewellery. The streets are adorned with large rangolis while people engage in the celebrations.