In Jainism, Gudi Padwa is not a religious festival.

It is mainly a regional / cultural festival (especially in Maharashtra and some nearby areas) marking the start of the Chaitra month and the “New Year” according to the local Hindu calendar. Because Jains also live in these regions:

• Many Jain families in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, etc. may:

- Put a gudi outside the house (more as local culture) - Clean the house, wear new clothes - Start new work or accounts on this day

But spiritually and scripturally, Jain Dharma does not give Gudi Padwa a special religious status.

Jain viewpoint in simple terms

1. Not a Jain tithi

- No major Jain scripture or Jain calendar lists Gudi Padwa as a special Jain tithi (holy day). - There is no specific Jain vrat, paath, or ritual prescribed for “Gudi Padwa”.

1. Main Jain “New Year” is different

- For Jains, the main New Year is: - Kartik Shukla 1 – the day after Diwali - It is connected with Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana and Gautam Gandhar’s Keval‑jnan. - That day is spiritually important in Jainism; Gudi Padwa is not.

1. How Jains may observe the day (if they wish)

If a Jain family notes Gudi Padwa as regional New Year, they may: - Do Navkar Mantra, Samayik, or Swadhyay at home - Start new work with satya (truth) and ahimsa (non‑violence) in mind - Keep it simple and non‑violent (avoid heavy fireworks, unnecessary parties, etc.)

1. No difference between Digambar and Shvetambar view

- Both traditions treat Gudi Padwa as a non‑Jain, regional festival. - Any celebration is social / cultural, not scripturally Jain.

Summary

• Gudi Padwa = Maharashtrian / regional New Year, not a Jain religious festival.
• Jains may join culturally, but true Jain New Year and main tithis are around Diwali (Mahavir Nirvana), Paryushan / Das Lakshan, Mahavir Jayanti, etc.
• If a Jain celebrates Gudi Padwa, it should be done in line with Jain principles: ahimsa, aparigraha, and simple living.