ARTICAL FESTIVALS OF MAHARASHTRA. Name- CDT. VEDASHREE PRAVEEN THAKUR. Regimental no.- 1 /MAH/ 20 /SW/ N/ 714445. Institution- BHONSALA MILITARY COLLEGE. INTRODUCTION: It is not possible for each and every citizen to visit different states of India to see their culture and traditions. In Maharashtra, almost all kind of religious diversity are found like Gujrat, South India, Paris and many more. Like every state has it’s speciality, similar Maharashtra has too. When we talk about Maharashtra how can we forget about Maharashtrian people. MAHARASHTRIAN CULTURE: Hindu Marathi people celebrate several festivals during the year. These include Gudi Padwa, Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Narali Pournima, Mangala Gaur, Janmashtami, Ganeshotsav, Kojagiri Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Khandoba Festival, Shivaratri and Holi. Maharashtra had huge influence over India under the 17th-century king Shivaji of the Maratha Empire and his concept of Hindavi Swarajya which translates to self-rule of people. It also has a long history of Marathi saints of Varakari religious movement such as Dnyaneshwar , Namdev , Chokhamela, Eknath and Tukaram which forms the one of bases of the culture of Maharashtra or Marathi culture. FAMOUS FESTIVALS OF MAHARASHTRA: 1. NAG PANCHAMI- Nag Panchali is celebrated in the honour of the Snake God Shesha Nag on the fifth day of the holy month of Shravan. 2. GUDI PADWA- Gudi Padwa is a symbol of victory, characterized by a bamboo stick with a silk cloth. It is garlanded with flowers and has sweets offered to it. 3. NARALI POURNIMA- ‘Narali’ means coconut and ‘pournima' is the full- moon day when offerings of coconuts are made to the Sea- God on this day. 4. GANESH CHATHURTHI- In August, preparations for the auspicious day when Lord Ganesh was born – begin with great enthusiasm. 5. GOKUL ASTAMI- 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. 6. MAKAR SANKRANTI- Makar Sankranti is the celebration of the winter solstice. 7. BHAU BEEJ- Celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali, it is a special celebration of the all the revelry and rivalry of this everlasting bond. 8. ELLORA FESTIVALS – Ellora festival is the celebration of culture, classical music and dance, organized on the backdrop of the majestic Ellora caves. 9. ASHADHI EKADASHI- Ashadhi Ekadashi is the culmination of the great Pandharpur chi Vari (Journey to Pandharpur). 10. MANGALA GAURI- Mangala Gauri is a celebration for newly- married brides, within the first 1-5 years of marriage. 11. POLA- 12. SHIVAJI JAYANTI- 13. KOJAGIRI PURNIMA- 14. BANGANGA FESTIVAL- 15. VAT POURNIMA- This is a glimpse into the multi-cultural world of festivals of Maharashtra. Festivals take out the stress from or daily life and present a wonderful opportunity to socialize, revel in song and dance, enjoy some sumptuous food and celebrate the joys of life. ‘ PEACE ON EARTH WILL COME TO STAY , WHEN WE LIVE FESTIVAL EVERYDAY’. .