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.

In February Elephanta, a small island near Mumbai, is a favoured destination for culture lovers. Elephanta Festival, the tranquil abode of Lord Shiva, just one-and-a-half-hour's journey by motor launch from Mumbai. Once known as Puri or Gharapuri, the island was the proud capital of a powerful coastal kingdom.