FESTIVALS OF MAHARASHTRA

To you by- 1. DIPTESH KUMAR SWAIN IX B

2. SUSHREE PRAGYASMITA
BEHERA IX A
SHIVAJI JAYANTI
Janmashtami

GANESH CHATHURTHI
Ganesh Chaturthi

Nashik Kumbh Mela

ELLORA FESTIVAL
FESTIVALS IN MAHARASHTRA
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS OF MAHARASHTRA

1. GUDI PADWA
1. 2. MAKAR
GUDI PADWASANKRANTI
2. 3. ELLORA
MAKAR FESTIVAL
SANKRANTI
3. 4. KALAFESTIVAL
ELLORA GHODA ART FESTIVAL
5. GANESH CHATHURTHI
4.KALA GHODA ART FESTIVAL
6. JANMASTAMI
5.GANESH CHAHTHURTHI
7. NASHIK KUMBH MELA
6.JANMASTAMI
8. SHIVAJI JAYANTI
7. NASHIK KUMBH MELA
8. SHIVAJI JAYANTI
 GUDI PADWA

The Harvest Festival of Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the new year
according to the Hindu calendar. Considered one of the auspicious days, many processions
are carried out in several parts during this traditional festival of Maharashtra. Special dishes
are cooked, houses are decorated with garlands and rangolis, and a Gudhi - a symbol of
victory is placed outside the home with a belief of attracting prosperity and good health
into the family. This festival of Maharashtra is also considered to be an opportune time for
starting a new venture, moving into a new home, and purchasing a car or other valuable
items. Holding great religious significance, this festival is celebrated with gusto in many
places of Maharashtra.
MAKAR SANKRANTI

Makar Sankranti is a festival that is celebrated in all parts of India but with different names and traditions. Makar
Sankranti in Maharashtra is a three-day festival that is marked with various rituals and customs that are peculiar
to the state. The first day of this festival in Maharashtra is known as Bhogi and the second day is called
Sankranti. This day holds immense significance for married women in the state as it is associated with an
important ritual called Haldi-Kumkum. Married women dress up in ethnic wear and get-togethers are organized
wherein women exchange small gifts as a token of love and apply vermillion and turmeric on each other's
forehead. The tradition of Kite flying is also followed in many parts of the state. The last day of the festival is
called Kinkrant which marks the defeat of Kinkarasur - a demon who was slayed by Maa Durga. During these
three days, folks of the state are seen jubilant and immersed in merry-making.
ELLORA FESTIVAL

Celebrated at one of the great historical sites in the state, Ellora Festival in Maharashtra is the celebration of
Indian art and cultural heritage. Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the
arrangement of this cultural festival of Maharashtra is really grand and inviting. Various classical music and
dance acts are presented by renowned artists of the country on a huge stage with a backdrop of the
majestic Ellora caves. The beautiful performances and a huge fair with stalls of food and handicrafts will surely
leave you mesmerized. This festival brings together art connoisseurs and tourists from different walks to the
historical site which is worth an experience.
 KALA GHODA ART FESTIVAL

The largest multicultural festival of India, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Maharashtra is a sight to behold.
Organized in the month of February every year for nine days in a row, the festival attracts visitors in large
numbers from all over the world. The festival is named after the black-colored statue of King Edward VII
seated on a black horse that was located in the fort area of Mumbai. Every year a grand exhibition is held at
the historic site of Kala Ghoda Art Fort in South Mumbai to celebrate theatre, music, films, comedy, world,
and contemporary art forms. Artists from different genres take part and spread the message of saving rich
and colorful Indian art forms.
GANESH CHATHURTHI

The most famous festival of Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is a grand festival that marks the birth anniversary
of Lord Ganesha. Celebrated with grandeur, the festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra goes for 11 days
and brings communities together. Beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols are installed in many houses and pandals
where various rituals are performed with great devotion. On the last day of the festival, the idol is immersed in a
large water body and a massive procession is carried out to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha. During this
procession, people are immersed in the spirit of dance and music which depicts the vibrant culture of
Maharashtra.
JANMASTAMI

Another colorful and electrifying Maharashtra festival is Janmashtami which is celebrated to mark the
birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Also known as Gokul Ashtami, the festival of Janmashtami is
celebrated with great pomp and shows in Maharashtra. Heartwarming rituals such as Dahi Handi is
performed to honor the famous act of stealing butter by Lord Krishna.
A group of youngsters from huge human pyramids to reach up to the pots that are hung on great
heights. Their attempts to break open these earthen pots filled with butter is a sight to behold. The
entire state reverberates the spirit of festivity and joy during this festival that beautifully marks Krishna
Leela.
NASHIK KUMBH MELA

One of the four grand Kumbh Mela’s, Nashik Kumbh Mela is considered to be the most sacred festival
celebrated in Maharashtra. Also known as Trimbakeshwar or Nashik Trimbak Kumbh Mela, this religious
festival of Maharashtra is marked as a massive congregation of pilgrims, Sadhus, and tourists. Millions of
pilgrims from all over the country visit Nashik during Kumbh Mela to take a dip in Kushawart and Ramkund
reservoirs of the holy river Godavari. Happening once in 12 years, Kumbh Mela is considered to be the
largest peaceful gathering in the world. Believed to cleanse all the sins, colorful processions, and holy dip
during this imposing festival of Maharashtra sketches a vivid picture of strong faith and religious values.
 SHIVAJI JAYANTI

Dedicated to the greatest ruler of Maharashtra - Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shivaji Jayanti is
celebrated on a large scale in the state. Every year, on his birthday various processions are
carried out and the stories of his valor and greatness are narrated along with songs that
speak of the kingship of the greatest ruler. On this special day, his values and beliefs are
reminisced and also pledged. Having great reverence for the Great Maratha ruler, Shivaji
Jayanti holds a special place for the people of Maharashtra.