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.
Naag Panchami:
In Hindu mythology, the cobra has a special significance and the earth, it is believed, rests on the head of
'Shesha' - the thousand-hooded cobra. Snake worship is an important ritual of the
Maharashtrians, and on the festival of Nag Panchami, a fair to venerate the snake god and clay icons of cobras are venerated in homes. People offer sweets and milk to the snake deity and the day is celebrated with folk dances and songs, especially in the countryside. You’ll see snake charmers on the streets displaying their pets, which are worshipped with offerings of milk, parched pulse and coins.
Republic
Day | Mahashivratri
| Elephanta
Festival | Holi
| Rang
Panchami | Gudhi
Poorva | Ramanavami
| Paithan
Fair | Maharashtra
Day | Mahavir
Jayanti | Buddha
Jayanti | Wat
Pournima | Kumbh
Mela | Naag
Panchami | Raksha
Bandhan | Independence
Day | Gokul
Ashtami | Ganesh
Chathurthi | Gauri
Pooja | Dussehra
| Diwali
| Datta
Jayantee | Christmas
| Ellora
Festival | New
Year | Makar
Sankranti
|