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Festivals in Maharashtra

ganesh chaturthi in maharashtra

Maharashtra is renowned for its vibrant and diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in its numerous yearly festivals. The state is celebrated for its Maharashtra festivals, which showcase its rich traditions and cultural practices. From grand processions to lively music and dance performances, these festivals provide a glimpse into the cultural heart of Maharashtra. One of the most famous festivals is Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is marked by elaborate decorations, community feasts, and immersive cultural activities. The grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi attracts thousands of visitors who come to witness the intricate and colourful processions that characterize this auspicious occasion.

The festivals celebrated are not just limited to religious events. The state also hosts regional festivals highlighting its local customs and traditions. For example, the Pune International Film Festival is a prominent event that draws cinema enthusiasts from across the globe, showcasing the state’s dedication to the arts and entertainment. Diwali stands out as a significant celebration among the many Maharashtra festivals. Known for its dazzling lights and festive atmosphere, Diwali is celebrated enthusiastically across the state. Homes are adorned with oil lamps and decorations, and the air is filled with the aroma of festive sweets and savoury treats.

Another notable event on the list of festivals in Maharashtra is the Nashik Kumbh Mela. This massive pilgrimage is held every 12 years and attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings. The Kumbh Mela is a testament to Maharashtra's spiritual heritage and its role as a center of religious and cultural significance. The main festival, Gudi Padwa, marks the Marathi New Year and is celebrated with great zeal. It signifies new beginnings and is marked by traditional rituals, festive foods, and community gatherings. This festival and others vividly portray the state’s cultural and religious diversity. Each festival, from Ganesh Chaturthi to Gudi Padwa, represents a unique aspect of Maharashtra's heritage and its commitment to preserving it, providing residents and visitors with memorable experiences to appreciate.

Destination Info
  • Currency INR
  • Phone Code +91
  • Time Zone +5:30
  • Capital City Mumbai
  • Best Time to Visit October and March
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Attractions Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Nagpur, Amravati, Jalgaon
  • Airline Serving Jet Airways, Indigo Airline, AIR India, Spicejet Airways, Go Airlines

Best Selling Maharashtra Tour Packages

1
Vat Purnima

Vat Pournima is a beloved festival in Maharashtra, celebrated by married women to pray for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. Held on the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month (around May or June), this festival is similar to Karva Chauth in Northern India. Women fast on this day and tie threads around a banyan (Vat) tree, symbolising their love and devotion towards their spouses, drawing inspiration from the story of Savitri and Satyavan from Hindu mythology. They walk around the tree while praying for their husband's health and happiness, and the fast is broken after rituals are performed. Vat Pournima is a festival that reflects the cultural importance of marital bonds in Maharashtra. The festival brings women together, creating community and shared tradition. 

2
Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most famous festivals of Maharashtra, and it is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur. It marks the birth of the Lord Ganesha, who removes the obstacles. The festival lasts 10 days, with people installing beautifully crafted idols of Ganesha in their homes and public pandas. Rituals, prayers, and cultural performances are held daily. The immersion of the idols, known as Ganesh Visarjan, takes place on the final day amidst joyous processions. Ganesh Chaturthi typically falls in August or September. This festival showcases Maharashtra’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and brings communities together. It’s an essential part of the festival list that displays vibrant culture, music and devotion. 

3
Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa, also known as Chaitra Pratipada, marks the traditional New Year for the people of Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated enthusiastically, symbolising a new beginning and the arrival of the spring. People decorate their homes with rangoli and raise the Gudi, a symbolic flag adorned with flowers, silk clothes and a pot representing victory and prosperity. The festival is known for its vibrant processions, meals, and family gatherings. Gudi Padwa usually falls in March or April. It is one of the most cherished festivals of Maharashtra, making it one of the hearest and new cycle of life festivals. Moreover, people also make their traditional dish, puran poli, a must-try during this time. 

4
Pola

Pola is a traditional agrarian festival celebrated by farmers in Maharashtra, especially in rural areas. It honours bulls who play a crucial role in farming. Farmers decorate their bulls with colourful ornaments, paint and flowers and offer prayers for their health and well-being. Pola is celebrated with bull parades, folk dances, and traditional music. This unique festival in Maharashtra showcases the deep connection between farmers and their livestock. This festival in Maharashtra usually falls in August, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of agriculture in Maharashtra’s culture and economy. Pola is one of those festivals that preserves its rural traditions and fosters a gratitude towards nature. So, if you want to experience something unique, travel to Maharashtra during this time of the year. 

5
Narali Pournima

Narali Purnima is the festival, also known as Coconut Day, and is a significant festival celebrated by the fishing communities of Maharashtra. It marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the fishing season. Fishermen offer documents to the sea as a symbol of gratitude and to seek blessings for a safe voyage and bountiful catch. Colourful boats decorated with flowers and flags are seen along the coast during this time. Narali Pournima falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sharavan. This festival in Maharashtra is a vibrant reflection of the coastal culture and the strong relationship between people and nature. People at this festival also make traditional coconut-based sweets, the celebrations' highlights. 

6
Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai and Pune. This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. A key highlight in Maharashtra is the “Dahi Handi” celebration, where young men from human pyramids break the pot of curd suspended huge in the air, symbolising Krishna’s playful stealing of butter. The event fosters a spirit of teamwork and excitement, drawing large crowds. Krishna Janmashtami is one of the liveliest festivals in Maharashtra, and it is celebrated with devotional songs, processions, and traditional rituals in temples. The atmosphere is electric, with religious fervour and community bonding, making it a memorable occasion for devotees and tourists. If you plan to explore Maharashtra, then Krishna Janmashtami is a must-experience. 

7
Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in Maharashtra, marking the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This festival is significant as it symbolises the end of winter and the beginning of the longer days. People celebrate Makar Sankranti by flying colourful kites which fill the skies, especially in cities like Mumbai and Nashik. Families prepare traditional sweets like tilgul (made from sesame seeds and jaggery) and exchange them as a gesture of goodwill and unity. It’s one of the oldest festivals, emphasising gratitude and togetherness. Pilgrimages to places like Shridi and Pandharpur were also important during this time. If you are exploring festivals in the state, then experiencing Makar Sankranti offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and community spirit. 

8
Bhau Beej

Bhau Beej celebrated on the second day of the Diwali festival, is a special occasion that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. In Maharashtra, this festival is marked by sisters praying for their brother's well-being and applying a ceremonial tikka on their foreheads. In return, the brother gives gifts as a token of appreciation. Bhau Beej is one of the beloved family-centric festivals in Maharashtra, focusing on love and protection. People prepare special foods like puran poli and sweets to mark the day. The celebrations are quieter but heartfelt as they bring families together to celebrate sibling love. Bhau beej holds a special significance, especially in rural Maharashtra, where age-old traditions are deeply rooted in the festivities. 

9
Ellora Festival

The Ellora Festival is a cultural extravaganza held annually near the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This festival in Maharashtra brings together artists, musicians, and dancers from across the country to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage. Set against the backdrop of the ancient caves, the performances are mesmerising, featuring classical dance forms like Kathak and Bharatnatyam and music concerts spanning from classical to fusion genres. Held every November, the festival transforms Ellora into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting art enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Ellora Festival not only highlights the beauty of Indian art but also adds a unique historical and spiritual dimension to festivals, making it a must-visit for those interested in culture and history.

10
Shivaji Jayanti

Shivaji Jayanti is a significant celebration in Maharashtra, honouring the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest Maratha warriors and founders of the Maratha Empire. Celebrated every year on February 19, this festival is marked with great enthusiasm across the state. During this day, vibrant processions, reenactments of Shivaji’s life, and speeches praising his courage and leadership occur. Schools, colleges, and public places are adorned with flags, and people pay tribute to this iconic figure. Festivals in Maharashtra, like Shivaji Jayanti, highlight the pride and cultural heritage of the Maratha empire. Many locals dress in traditional attire and participate in cultural performances, reflecting the Maratha traditions. Statues of Shivaji are garlanded, and special programs are organised to educate younger generations about his significant contributions to the history of India, making it a day of national importance in Maharashtra.

11
Kojagiri Purnima

Kojagiri Purnima, also known as Sharad Purnima, is a festival in Maharashtra that celebrates the end of the monsoon season and welcomes the autumn harvest. Celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which typically falls in October, this festival is also associated with worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Families gather under the bright full moon to enjoy delicacies like sweetened milk, left overnight under the moonlight and consumed the next day. Kojagiri Purnima is also believed to be when Goddess Lakshmi blesses those who stay awake all night to pray for prosperity. The glowing moon enhances the beauty of the night, and many people also perform Lakshmi Puja to invite wealth and happiness into their homes. The festival highlights Maharashtra's deep connection to agriculture and tradition.

12
 Banganga Festival

The Banganga Festival is one of the most unique festivals in Maharashtra, celebrating the rich heritage of classical music and dance. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) holds this festival every January at the historic Banganga Tank in Mumbai’s Walkeshwar Temple Complex. The serene surroundings and ancient architecture create a perfect backdrop for renowned musicians and dancers to perform various Indian classical art forms. The two-day festival is a cultural haven for enthusiasts of Indian music, where both seasoned artists and budding talents showcase their skills. What makes the Banganga Festival special is its emphasis on preserving traditional music and dance forms, connecting modern audiences with the past. It serves as a platform to promote and keep India’s classical heritage alive, making it a must-attend event for those seeking to immerse themselves in Maharashtra’s cultural vibrancy.

13
Mangala Gauri

Celebrated primarily by newlywed women, Mangala Gauri is a festival of great significance in Maharashtra. It is observed during Shravan, typically on Tuesdays, when women gather to pray to Goddess Gauri for their husband's long life and prosperity. The festival involves vibrant rituals, traditional folk songs, and various games. The atmosphere is filled with devotion and joy as women fast and perform pujas. Festivals in Maharashtra, like Mangala Gauri, symbolise the deep-rooted culture and traditions of the state. The auspicious occasion usually occurs in July or August, depending on the lunar calendar. It is a beautiful celebration of marital bliss and feminine power, making it an important part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

14
Ashadhi Ekadhashi

One of the most revered festivals in Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the culmination of the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage. Devotees, also known as Warkaris, walk hundreds of kilometres to reach Pandharpur and seek blessings from Lord Vitthal. This sacred event falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Hindu month of Ashadha, typically in June or July. Today, the Pandharpur temple has thousands of pilgrims who fast and sing devotional hymns. The Wari procession has become a symbol of Maharashtra’s spiritual devotion, transcending caste and creed. The vibrant unity and faith seen during Ashadhi Ekadashi embody the essence of festivals deeply rooted in devotion and collective celebration. This festival is a major cultural event, fostering a sense of belonging among the state's people.

15
Nag Panchami

Observed on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shravan (July/August), Nag Panchami is one of the unique festivals in Maharashtra dedicated to worshipping serpents, especially the cobra. On this day, people offer milk, sweets, and flowers to snake idols, believing that it will protect them from harm and bring good fortune. Snake charmers carry live cobras around villages and towns, and devotees pay respects by offering them food and donations. Women fast and pray for the well-being of their families. Temples of snake deities are incredibly crowded, and many cultural performances and traditional dances are organised. The reverence for snakes during Nag Panchami highlights the deep connection between nature and culture in Maharashtra, making it an essential festival in the state.

16
Kalidas Festival

The Kalidas Festival is a tribute to the legendary Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa, celebrated annually in Nagpur. This cultural event brings together renowned artists, poets, musicians, and dancers who perform and pay homage to India’s rich literary heritage. Held in the month of November, the festival lasts for several days, featuring classical music concerts, dance performances, and theatre plays that showcase Kalidasa’s works like “Shakuntala” and “Meghaduta.” The festival promotes Maharashtra's commitment to preserving and celebrating classical Indian art forms. Among the many festivals in Maharashtra, the Kalidas Festival stands out for its cultural depth and artistic brilliance, making it a must-visit event for literature and art lovers. It also strengthens the connection between Maharashtra’s ancient literary past and its vibrant contemporary culture.

FAQs About Festivals in Maharashtra

  1. Q1.
    What are the major festivals celebrated in Maharashtra?

    Maharashtra celebrates many festivals, with Ganesh Chaturthi being the most prominent. Other important festivals include Diwali, Holi, Makar Sankranti, and Eid. Additionally, regional festivals like Gudi Padwa (Maharashtrian New Year) and festivals dedicated to saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar are also widely observed.

  2. Q2.
    How is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in Maharashtra?

    Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated enthusiastically across Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and Pune. People bring home idols of Lord Ganesha, which are worshipped for 10 days. The festival ends with the grand immersion of the idols in water bodies, accompanied by large processions, music, and dance.

  3. Q3.
    What is special about Gudi Padwa?

    Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and is considered auspicious. Families raise a 'Gudi,' a flag-like arrangement, outside their homes to signify victory and prosperity. The festival is celebrated with traditional feasts, sweets like Puran Poli, and cultural activities.

  4. Q4.
    How is Diwali celebrated in Maharashtra?

    Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great zeal in Maharashtra. Homes are decorated with lamps and rangoli; people exchange sweets and gifts. The tradition of bursting crackers is also common, and special pujas are performed to honour Goddess Lakshmi.

  5. Q5.
    What are the unique festivals of rural Maharashtra?

    In rural Maharashtra, festivals like Pola and Makar Sankranti hold special significance. Pola is a harvest festival where farmers worship their bulls. At the same time, Makar Sankranti celebrates the sun's transition into the zodiac of Capricorn with kite flying and sharing sweets made from jaggery.

  6. Q6.
    How is Holi celebrated in Maharashtra?

    Holi is celebrated in Maharashtra with bonfires and playing with colours. The festival is marked by singing and dancing, especially in rural areas, where it is known as "Shimga." People gather to throw vibrant colours at each other, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

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