Maharashtra festival

Each state in India has its own culture, traditions and

festivals, and Maharashtra is no exception. Although most of
the national festivals are celebrated with great pomp and
gusto, there are some festivals and festivities which are
unique to this diverse state. Read on to explore some of the
unique festivals of the land which is a cultural melting-pot of
the country.
Hindu Marathi people celebrate several festivals during the
year. These include Gudi Padwa, Ram Navami, Hanuman
Jayanti, Narali Pournima, Mangala Gaur, Janmashtami,
Ganeshotsav, Kojagiri, Diwali, Khandoba Festival (Champa
Shashthi), Makar Sankranti, Shivaratri, and Holi.Most villages
in Maharashtra also have a Jatra or Urus in honor of the
village deity

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Ganesh Chathurthi
Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, is the most loved in
Maharashtra and Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with the most
grandeur. In August, preparations for the auspicious day when
Lord Ganesh was born – begin with great enthusiasm. It is an 11-
day festival, beginning with the installation of beautifully
sculpted Ganesh idols in homes and large pandals, colorfully
decorated, depicting religious and cultural themes.

The Ganesh idols are worshiped and many cultural events are
organised. People throng the huge pandals to catch a glimpse of
their favorite God. Visits to friends and family to offer prayers
and join the celebrations, and partake some delicious food are
looked forward to by all. It is also a great chance to gorge on
modaks (steamed rice-flour dumplings with a succulent coconut
and ghee filling), since they are considered to be the Lord’s
favorite food. On the 11th day comes the time to bid farewell to
Ganesha. People take the idols in procession with an
accompaniment of music and dance for immersion in the sea or
nearby river or lake.

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Krishna Janmashtami

Gokul Ashtami or Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.

Devotees fast till midnight on the eve of the birth of Lord Krishna.
Krishna-janma is celebrated at midnight at temples and in homes
amidst bhajans (devotional songs), marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

The next day is celebrated as Gokulashtami. Devotees

remember how the Lord was very fond of butter and used
to go to great lengths to obtain butter. In honour of the
beloved Lord, a ritual performed on this day is the dahi-
handi. Clay pots filled with curd, puffed rice and milk are
strung high up above the streets. Groups of enthusiastic
youngsters form human pyramids to reach up to these and
break them open – the way Lord Krishna and his friends
would, after sneaking into the houses of gopis to steal
butter. People throng in great numbers to see these human
pyramids and their attempts at breaking the pot of butter.

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Shivaji Jayanti

Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the greatest ruler of

Maharashtra. He was known for his courage and intelligence.
He laid the foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over
two centuries before the British took over. All Maharashtrians
have great reverence and regard for him and his birthday is
celebrated all across the state as Shivaji Jayanti.

There are several pandals put up all over the state, which
venerate the great king. Actors or statues play out great
incidences of battles, wisdom, kindness and bravery of the
king. Processions are carried out that narrate stories of his
greatness and songs that celebrate this bravery and kingship
are sung. The state fondly remembers their great king and
pledge to imbibe his qualities in their day-to-day life.

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