F E S TIVALS OF MAHAR AS HTR A

To you by- 1. DIP TE S H KUMAR S WAIN

2. S US HR E E P R AGYAS M
BE HE R A IX A
SHIVAJI JAYANTI
Janmashtami

GANESH CHATHURTHI
Ganesh Chaturthi

Nashik Kumbh Mela

ELLORA FESTIVAL
FESTIVALS IN MAHARASHTRA

1. GUDI PADWA
1. 2. MAKAR
GUDI PADWASANKRANTI
2. 3. ELLORA
MAKAR FESTIVAL
SANKRANTI
3. 4. KALA FESTIVAL
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
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.