Significance
The first day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha marks the Hindu New Year across India under different names: Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, and the beginning of Chaitra Navratri -- the nine-night worship of Goddess Durga. Brahma is said to have begun creation on this day, and Lord Vishnu's first avatar (Matsya) manifested on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It is a day of new beginnings, and Navratri's nine nights of worship culminate in the awakening of divine feminine energy.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Gudi / Kalash Sthapana
At sunrise, erect the Gudi (decorated bamboo) outside the home facing east or north. For Navratri, establish the Kalash with holy water, mango leaves, and a coconut, invoking Goddess Durga.
Mantra: Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Ugadi Pachadi
Prepare and eat Ugadi Pachadi -- a mixture of neem flowers (bitterness), jaggery (sweetness), tamarind (sourness), raw mango (tanginess), salt, and green chili (spice). It symbolizes the six flavors of life.
Panchang Shravan
Listen to or read the new year's Panchang (almanac) from a priest or elder, noting auspicious dates for the year ahead.
Navratri Puja
Begin nine days of Durga worship. Each day is associated with one of the nine forms of Devi (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, etc.). Light a lamp that is kept burning for all nine nights.
Family Guidance
Have children help erect the Gudi or decorate the Navratri altar. Taste the Ugadi Pachadi together and discuss how life contains all flavors. Over the nine nights, tell one story of each Navadurga form.