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Famous Festivals of Maharashtra, List of Festivals in Maharashtra

Here is the List of Famous Festivals of Maharashtra celebrated throughout the year. Get details of the Famous Festivals of Maharashtra and their importance.
authorImagePriyanka Gupta24 May, 2024
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Famous Festivals of Maharashtra

Famous Festivals of Maharashtra: People from all backgrounds and cultures call Maharashtra, the second most populous state in India, home. Maharashtra, one of the most cosmopolitan states in India, is known for its vibrant festivals, which serve as a shining example of cultural inclusion to the outside world. The Famous Festivals of Maharashtra are Nag Panchami, Gudhi Padwa, Narali Pournima, Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Janmashtami, Makar Sankranti, Bhau Beej, etc.

Arguably the most famous festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, sees the state decked up in ornate pandals and finely carved statues of Lord Ganesha. Grand processions, music, and the devout god's emotional immersion in water bodies highlight the festival's ten-day culmination, which is a magnificent display of collective devotion.

Famous Festivals of Maharashtra

The Famous Festivals of Maharashtra include Nag Panchami, Gudhi Padwa, Narali Pournima, Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Janmashtami, Makar Sankranti, Bhau Beej, etc. These festivals are celebrated across the state all in different months of the year. The List of Festivals of Maharashtra starts with the Harvest Festival of Maharashtra which is Gudhi Padwa. One of the most famous festivals celebrated in Maharashtra is Ganesh Chathurthi in which Lord Ganesh's idols are worshiped in huge pandals. In addition to the major celebrations, Maharashtra has numerous fairs and festivals that are observed throughout the state. Numerous music, dances, and cuisines are accompanied by these celebrations.

List of Famous Festivals of Maharashtra

The List of Famous Festivals of Maharashtra has been discussed below. Being a large state, Maharashtra is home to various religious and cultural traditions. The state has many diverse communities. The Maharashtrians are cheerful people and festive spirit is deeply rooted in their culture.
List of Famous Festivals of Maharashtra
Festivals Importance
Nag Panchami On the fifth day of the sacred month of Shravan, Nag Panchali is observed in honor of the Snake God, Shesha Nag. In India, snake worship is a significant custom, and during this celebration, clay cobras are revered in houses.
Gudhi Padwa The Gudhi, a bamboo stick covered in silk cloth, is a sign of victory. Flowers are placed on it, and sweets are presented to it.
Narali Pornima "Pournmia" is the full moon day when offerings of coconuts are presented to the sea god. "Naral" means "coconut."
Ganesh Chathurthi The 11-day celebration starts with the placement of exquisitely carved Ganesh idols in residences and sizable pandals that are brightly decorated and represent religious and cultural themes.
Krishna Janmashtami The dahi-handi is a ritual carried out on this day in honor of the adored Lord. Above the streets are clay pots filled with curd, puffed rice, and milk. Enthused children gather in groups and build human pyramids to reach up to them and smash them open, much like Lord Krishna and his friends did when they broke into gopis' homes to steal butter.
Makar Sankranti The winter solstice is celebrated on Makar Sankranti. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring, marking the moment the sun moves from the southern to the northern hemisphere.
Bhau Beej It is a unique celebration of all the fun and rivalry of this enduring connection, held on the fifth and final day of Diwali.
Ellora Festival The Ellora festival is a celebration of classical music, dancing, and culture that takes place against the stunning background of the Ellora caves.
Ashadhi Ekadashi The epic Pandharpur chi Vari (Journey to Pandharpur) culminates in Shadhi Ekadashi. Located in Maharashtra on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, Pandharpur is believed to be the home of Vitthal, a local representation of the powerful God.
Mangala Gauri Mangala Gauri is a festival observed by newlyweds within the first one to five years of their union. Tuesdays in the month of Sharavan are designated for celebrating this Maharashtra festival.
Pola Farmers around Maharashtra celebrate the harvest festival of Pola. It occurs on the new moon day of the sacred month of Shravan, Pithori Amavasya.
Shivaji Jayanti The Chattrapati The greatest Maharashtrian ruler was Shivaji Maharaj. He was renowned for his wit and bravery. Before the British seized over, he established the groundwork for a Hindu empire that lasted for more than 200 years. He is held in high regard by all Maharashtrians, and his birthday is observed as Shivaji Jayanti throughout the state.
Kojagiri Purnima On the full moon day of Ashwin, people celebrate Kojagiri Poornima, also known as Ashwin Poornima, to commemorate the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season.
Banganga Festival This musical carnival honors and preserves the state's rich historical legacy. A cultural festival is held in Banganga every January, when fans of the arts may witness live classical music concerts featuring some of the best performers in the nation.

5 Famous Festivals of Maharashtra

The List of 10 Famous Festivals of Maharashtra has been discussed below. These festivals are of utter importance in the state and are celebrated in a joyous environment by the people. Every Indian state has its unique customs, festivals, and culture, and Maharashtra is no different. Some various celebrations and festivals are exclusive to this diversified state, even though the majority of national holidays are observed with tremendous fanfare.

Nag Panchami

  • On the fifth day of the sacred month of Shravan, Nag Panchali is observed in honor of the Snake God, Shesha Nag. In India, snake worship is a significant custom, and during this festival, clay cobras are revered in houses.
  • There are two main reasons for its celebration. First of all, the patal lok is shaped like the home of the nags, or snakes, and the family seeks the nags' blessings for their well-being.
  • Second, farmers praise and pray to the nag-devta, the snakes that protect their crops from rats and other pests. Offerings of milk and candies are made to the snake deity.
  • Snake charmers gather gifts from the general people in the streets and carry cobras in baskets.
  • Songs and dances are performed in the streets to commemorate the day. Since the nag is closely identified with Lord Shiva, people go to both Shiva and nag temples.

Gudi Padwa

  • Gudhi Padwa is one of the Famous Festivals of Maharashtra since it marks the start of a fortunate new year.
  • It occurs on the Lunar calendar's first day of the new year. Across the state, there is a lot of fanfare and spectacle in honor of it.
  • To welcome prosperity and good health into the family, gudhi is placed outside the home and households are decked with garlands and rangolis.
  • The Gudhi, a bamboo stick covered in silk cloth, is a sign of victory. Flowers are placed on it, and sweets are presented to it.
  • Worshipping the gudhi and giving out prasad to community members is how people start the new year.
  • Both adults and children cook and enjoy sweet foods like basundi or shrikhand.
  • Maharashtra's customs and culture are celebrated with numerous processions held around the state.

Narali Pournima

  • The full moon day, known as Narali Pournima, is observed in several regions of Maharashtra during the month of Shravan.
  • Fishermen avoid going out to sea during the monsoon because it is too dangerous. On Narali Pournima, the monsoon ends and the fishing season begins.
  • Before setting out in their exquisitely adorned boats, fishermen make offerings to the sea god.
  • "Pournmia" is the full moon day when offerings of coconuts are presented to the sea god. "Naral" means "coconut."
  • As the fishing season begins, the fishermen send prayers, coconuts, and requests to the sea god, asking for his protection from any unfortunate events.
  • On this day, coconut-based sweets are enjoyed.
  • The festival of Raksha Bandhan, when brothers promise to safeguard their sisters and the sisters tie a thread on their brother's wrist as a symbol of respect and love, also falls on Narali Pournima.

Ganesh Chathurthi

  • The most revered god in Maharashtra and the most Famous Festivals of Maharashtrais Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge, and Ganesh Chaturthi is observed with much pomp and circumstance.
  • The 11-day celebration starts with the placement of exquisitely carved Ganesh idols in residences and sizable pandals that are brightly decorated and represent religious and cultural themes.
  • Numerous cultural events are planned, and the idols of Ganesh are worshipped. Crowds swarm the enormous pandals in hopes of seeing their idol.
  • Everyone looks forward to visiting friends and relatives to give prayers, participate in the festivities, and enjoy some delectable food.
  • Being the favorite dish of the Lord, modaks are steamed rice-flour dumplings filled with a delicious coconut and ghee filling. This is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in them.

Krishna Janmashtami

  • Janmashtami, also known as Gokul Ashtami, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna.
  • On the eve of Lord Krishna's birth, devotees fast until midnight. Krishna-janma, the birth of Lord Krishna, is celebrated at midnight in temples and houses with bhajans (devotional songs).
  • Gokulashtami is celebrated the following day. Believers recall that the Lord loved butter and would go to tremendous lengths to get his hands on it.
  • The dahi-handi is a ritual carried out on this day in honor of the adored Lord. Above the streets are clay pots filled with curd, puffed rice, and milk.
  • Enthused children gather in groups and build human pyramids to reach up to them and smash them open, much like Lord Krishna and his friends did when they broke into gopis' homes to steal butter.

Famous Festivals of Maharashtra FAQs

Q1. What is Mumbai main festival?

Ans. Ganesh Chaturthi is the main festival of Mumbai. And it's more than a religious celebration.

Q2. Which Puja is famous in Maharashtra?

Ans. In Maharashtra, the city of Nashik and other places such as CIDCO, Rajeevnagar, Panchavati, and Mahatmanagar host Durga Puja celebrations.

Q3. What is the famous festival food of Maharashtra?

Ans. The festival food of Maharashtra are two types of tilgul, a Maharashtrian sweet snack made in Makar Sankrant. Ukadiche (Steamed) Modak offered to Lord Ganesha in Ganesh Chaturthi.
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