FESTIVALS OF MAHARASHTRA

To you by- 1. DIPTESH KUMAR SWAIN

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 PADWA SANKRANTI
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.