Folk Culture oF Maharastra

Maharashtra is divided into various regions Marathwada

Vidarbha Khandesh Konkan etc. and each region has its own
cultural identity in the form of different dialects of Marathi
language, folk songs, food, ethnicity. The state is home to a rich
spectrum of heritage and intriguing diversity of culture. The
Waghya Murali, Potraj, Vasudev and Gondhali communities
have managed to keep alive their unique cultures and vibrant art,
enriching the cultural tapestry of Maharashtra with their
engaging traditions. But with the opening of modern markets and
rapid transformation of lifestyles, the ancient traditions are
vanishing fast

The folk music and dances of Maharashtra are Koli,

Powada, Banjara Holi dance and Lavani dance. Powada
dance form shows achievements of Shivaji Maharaja, the
Maratha ruler. Koli music and dance originated from the
fishermen community for entertainmen.
1.Costumes of maharashtra
As Maharashtra is a vast state, the people
of this colourful state wears different
types of costumes, take different cuisines,
has different forms of dances and music
according to the physical features of their
locality. Generally, men wear dhoti and
pheta in olden days, while women wear
choli and saree. But with the change of
time, young Maharashtrians too are fast
attracting to the latest fashions imported
from the western countries.

2.Arts and Crafts

The expertise of the artisans of
mahrarshtra can be seen in the fine art
and craft finishes .The fine fabrics of
mashru and himroo are the clear
examples of their highest level of
weaving art .The fabrics which look like
golden cloth are regaded to be one of the
finest of its kind .The high level weaving
know –how is also evdent with the
paithani and narayan petsarees.