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![]() The Maharashtrians are a vibrant, earthy people for whom life itself is a celebration. All festivals in Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervour and enthusiasm. The songs, music and dances that accompany almost every festive occasion add joy and excitement to the lives of the people from every walk of life. While holidays are celebrated under many different names and circumstances, their functions are essentially the same. They unite people, thus strenghtening the bonds of the family. Following is a list of the holidays (with a bit of history behind it) that Maharashtrians observe according to the Hindu Calendar.
Diwali or Deepawali means a row of lights, five day festival to celebrate Rama and Sita's homecoming in the Ramayana. It signifies the victory of good over evil. The most beautiful of all Indian festivals, Diwali is a celebration of lights. Streets are illuminated with rows of clay lamps and homes are decorated with rangoli (coloured powder designs) and aakash kandils (decorative lanterns of different shapes and sizes).
Diwali is celebrated with new clothes, spectacular firecrackers and a variety of sweets in the company of family and friends. Dhanatrayodashi; Narakchaturdashi, Amavasya (Laxmi poojan), Balipratipada and Yamadvitiya (Bhaubeej) are the five days which comprise Diwali, and each day has a peculiar religious significance.
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