Maharashtra has the ideal contrasted image; it conjures up an image of a multicultural state where people of all religions coexist together. The festivals that are celebrated in the city virtually every month also bring these individuals closer together.
The people of Maharashtra, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, take their festival celebrations far too seriously and fully immerse themselves in the joy of the celebrations. Visitors from all walks of life come to the spectacular pandals lit up in the state’s various regions to mark the return of their beloved deity, Lord Ganesh. In this post we will acknowledge 8 most popular festivals in Maharashtra.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the most well-known festival in Maharashtra it is a magnificent celebration that commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. The 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra is lavishly observed and brings together communities.
Many homes and pandals, where numerous rituals are done with great devotion, have beautiful Ganesh idols erected. The idol is submerged in a sizable body of water on the festival’s final day, and a huge parade is held to say goodbye to Lord Ganesha. People are engrossed in the dancing and music representing Maharashtra’s colorful culture during this parade.
When Celebrated: September
Location: All Over Maharashtra
What To Expect: Installation of Ganesha’s clay murtis
Janmashtami, which commemorates the birth date of Lord Krishna, is another vibrant and energetic holiday observed in Maharashtra. The celebration of Janmashtami, also called Gokul Ashtami, is a grand occasion in Maharashtra. Warming rites like Dahi Handi are carried out to commemorate Lord Krishna’s well-known act of stealing butter.
The festival that so brilliantly commemorates Krishna Leela causes the entire state to vibrate with celebration and delight. Several children climb enormous human pyramids to grab pots hanging at tremendous heights. It’s amazing to watch them try to crack open these butter-filled earthen jars.
When Celebrated: September
Location: All Over Maharastra
What To Expect: Dancing, Singing, And Dahi Handi Breaking
The new year officially starts on the Hindu calendar on Gudi Padwa, the Harvest Festival of Maharashtra. During this ancient festival of Maharashtra, multiple processions are performed in various regions on what is said to be one of the lucky days. There is a Gudhi, special meals are prepared, and rangolis and garlands are used to decorate homes.
Gudhi, a victory emblem, is erected outside the house to bring wealth and health to the household. This event, which has significant religious importance, is enthusiastically observed throughout Maharashtra. This Maharashtra celebration is a good time to start a new business, move into a new house, and buy a car and other expensive stuff.
When Celebrated: March
Location: All Over Maharashtra
What To Expect: People Draw Rangoli On The Floor, Gudhi dvaja
However, all of India celebrates Makar Sankranti with slightly distinct names and customs. In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is a three-day holiday with several regional rites and traditions. In Maharashtra, the festival’s first day is referred to as Bhogi, and its second day is Sankranti. Given its connection to the significant Haldi-Kumkum rite, this day is of great significance to married women in the state. Married ladies attend get-togethers dressed in ethnic attire, exchanging tokens of affection such as little gifts and applying vermillion and turmeric to each other’s foreheads.
When Celebrated: January
Location: All Over Maharastra
What To Expect: Holy dip in rivers , Kite Flying
Nashik Kumbh Mela, one of the four major Kumbh Melas, is the holiest festival in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Trimbak Kumbh Mela, also called Trimbakeshwar or Trimbakeshwar, is a significant gathering of Sadhus, tourists, and pilgrims. During the Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims come to Nashik to bathe in the holy Godavari’s Kushawart and Ramkund lakes. The Kumbh Mela, which only occurs every 12 years, is regarded as the world’s biggest peaceful assembly. During this imposing event in Maharashtra, believed to purify all sins, vibrant processions and holy dips paint a striking picture of firm faith and sacred beliefs.
When Celebrated: After every 12 years
Location: Nasik
What To Expect: Devotees bath on the bank of river Godavari
Shivaji Jayanti, a holiday honoring Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the greatest ruler of Maharashtra, is widely observed there. Every year, several processions are held to celebrate his birthday, during which tales of his bravery and brilliance are told, and songs that celebrate the monarchy of the greatest ruler are sung. For the people of Maharashtra, Shivaji Jayanti is especially significant because of their deep respect for the Great Maratha king. His values and convictions are remembered and recommitted on this important day.
When Celebrated: February
Location: All over Maharashtra
What To Expect: Devotees Pray to Shivaji Staue, Celebration Rally, Dance
Ellora Festival in Maharashtra is a festival of Indian cultural and artistic heritage at one of the state’s most important historical sites. This Maharashtra cultural festival is beautifully set up and welcoming, thanks to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.
On a big stage with the spectacular Ellora caves as the backdrop, renowned national artists perform a variety of classical dance and music acts. You’ll be charmed by the stunning performances and a sizable fair with food and artisan vendors. This festival invites travelers from all walks of life to the historical place worth visiting, including art enthusiasts.
When Celebrated: January
Location: Ellora caves Verul Maharashtra
What To Expect: Kathak and Odissi forms of Indian dance
The day of the full moon, called Narali Pournima, is observed in several regions of Maharashtra during the month of Shravan. Fishermen avoid the sea during the monsoon because it is unsafe for them to go out and fish there. Fishermen make offerings to the sea god before setting off in their elaborately adorned boats on Narali Pournima, which heralds the end of monsoon and, indeed, the beginning of a new fishing season. Natural, “coconut,” refers to the full moon day sacrifices of coconuts presented to the sea god. This day is known as “Pournmia.”
When Celebrated: August
Location: Mumbai and the Konkan coas
What To Expect: Hindu devotees worship Deity Varuna, Devotee Pray to ocean & sea.
Every holiday in Maharashtra has its customs, representing the triumph of good over evil, the end of the old, and the new birth. Plan a trip to Maharashtra during festival celebrations to experience the state in all its splendor, with the streets illuminated by lights that bring people from many backgrounds together. We hope you must have acknowledged everything regarding 8 most popular festivals in Maharashtra.
