Maharashtrians on Saturday observed the Hindu New Year in the traditional colourful manner and welcomed the year Shalivahan Shaka 1927.

The day is commonly known as 'Gudi Padwa' and households across the state witnessed hectic activities with family members erecting the traditional `Gudi' � a long bamboo stick with new silk cloth, garland and a dangling neem tweak. It also has a silver or a metal pot on it.

The long 'Gudi', symbolises victory, inspires people to prosper materially and spiritually, it is said.

The women dish out sweets like Puran Poli or Shrikhand along with Aambe daal and Sunth Paak.

The New Year day is also considered auspicious for vaastu puja and opening new business establishments.

Several community processions were taken out throughout the state.

A number of stories are associated with the festival, prominent among them being the theory of creation and also the day when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating King Ravana in Lanka.

The year begins on the first day of Chaitra of the Hindu calendar named as Shalivahan.

It is named so after King Shalivahan from Paithan in Maharashtra.