Are you tired of the same old festivals every year? Looking for something unique and special to add to your celebration calendar? Well, look no further than Maharashtra, the land of festivals and fun! From the electrifying beats of Ganesh Chaturthi to the fiery competition of Rangpanchami, this western Indian state has it all. So, grab your dhol and get ready to dance, because we’re about to take you on a wild ride through the famous festivals of Maharashtra. Get ready to feast your eyes, ears, and taste buds on the best celebrations this state has to offer!
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is a hissss-terical festival celebrated with much enthusiasm in Maharashtra. This popular festival of Maharashtra is dedicated to worshiping snakes, as they are believed to be divine creatures. People offer milk and honey to the snakes in the hope of receiving blessings and protection from their wrath.
As the festival approaches, the streets of Maharashtra are filled with the sound of snake charmers and the aroma of delicious food. People dress up in traditional attire and perform various cultural activities to mark the occasion.
So, if you want to experience the magic of Nag Panchami, head over to Maharashtra and immerse yourself in the festivities. Who knows, you might even get to meet the king of snakes himself!
Highlight of the festival: worshiping images of serpent deities and live snakes
When is it celebrated: 21st August 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Puranache Dind
Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, is a harvest festival of Maharashtra that celebrates new beginnings with great enthusiasm. The day is marked by the hoisting of a Gudi – a decorated pole – in front of homes, which symbolizes victory and good fortune. People dress up in traditional attire, relish delicious sweets, and exchange greetings with loved ones. But did you know that Gudi Padwa is also a time for quirky customs?
Some people believe that drinking neem juice on this day purifies the blood, while others throw a mixture of neem leaves and jaggery into the air, claiming that it wards off diseases. Whatever the beliefs may be, Gudi Padwa is undoubtedly a festival that brings joy and cheer to all!
Highlight of the festival: Spring festival marking the start of the traditional New year
When is it celebrated: 22nd March 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Puran Poli and Shrikhand
Narali Pournima
Narali Pournima, also known as the Coconut Day Festival, is one of the most famous festivals of Maharashtra. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually falls in August. On this day, people in the coastal regions of Maharashtra offer coconuts to the sea as a symbol of gratitude and seek blessings for a bountiful catch. The festival is also marked with a lot of fun and frolic, with people indulging in traditional sports like bullock cart racing and tug-of-war. So, grab your coconut and head to the beach for a unique and unforgettable celebration!
Highlight of the festival: Marks the beginning of the new fishing season
When is it celebrated: 31st August 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Narali Bhaat
Ganesh Chathurthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the biggest festivals in Maharashtra with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival is marked with the installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol in homes and public pandals, followed by worship, prayers, and feasting. It’s a special affair as people go all out to decorate the pandals with innovative themes, and the air is filled with the sound of dhol-tasha and the sight of huge Ganesha idols being immersed in the sea or lakes. Ganesh Chaturthi truly embodies the spirit of Maharashtra’s vibrant culture and traditions.
Highlight of the festival: statues or idols of Ganesh that are built and placed in pandals across different cities
When is it celebrated: 19th September 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Modak and Puran Poli
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is a much awaited and traditional festival of Maharashtra. As the state is known for its vibrant culture, the celebrations are equally colorful and lively. People dress up in traditional attire, visit temples, and prepare delicious sweets like shrikhand and modak. But the highlight of the festival is the Dahi Handi, where human pyramids are formed to break a pot filled with buttermilk, symbolizing the Mischief-loving nature of Lord Krishna. The enthusiasm and energy of the participants and spectators alike make this festival a must-see for anyone visiting Maharashtra.
Highlight of the festival: Dahi Handi, where human pyramids are formed to break a pot filled with buttermilk
When is it celebrated: 6th–7th September 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Gopalkala
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a unique and joyous festival celebrated in Maharashtra, India. This biggest festival in Maharashtra marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. People take part in a range of interesting and creative traditions to celebrate this special day, such as flying kites, preparing sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds, and exchanging special gifts with loved ones. It’s a time to come together, enjoy good food, and bask in the warmth of the sun after a long, cold winter. Makar Sankranti is a truly unique and beloved festival in Maharashtra that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!
Highlight of the festival: flying kites
When is it celebrated: 15th January 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: khichdi and Puran Poli
Bhau Beej
Bhau Beej, also known as Bhai Dooj, is a much-loved traditional festival of Maharashtra that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform aarti and tilak on their brother’s forehead, and in return, brothers shower them with gifts and love. Bhau Beej is not just about sibling love, but also about delicious food. Sisters prepare mouth-watering dishes for their brothers, including puran poli, shrikhand, and batata bhaji. This festival brings families closer and is a reminder of the importance of siblings in our lives. So, let’s celebrate Bhau Beej with joy and laughter, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Highlight of the festival: the love between brothers and sisters
When is it celebrated: 15th November 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: puran poli, shrikhand, and batata bhaji
Ellora Festival
The Ellora Festival, held annually in Maharashtra, is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and art that draws crowds from all over the state. This popular festival of Maharashtra is unlike any other, featuring a diverse range of performances, from classical Indian music to modern pop and rock. Attendees can also enjoy traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, browse local arts and crafts, and even participate in interactive workshops. The festival’s unique and eclectic atmosphere is sure to delight and inspire all who attend. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!
Highlight of the festival: most stunning art and architectural marvels
When is it celebrated: 25th–27th February 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: diversity in regional cuisine
Ashadhi Ekadashi
Ashadhi Ekadashi is a unique festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra. It marks the beginning of the monsoon season and the onset of a new farming cycle. This famous festival of Maharashtra is known for its unique and vibrant celebrations, with devotees taking part in processions and singing devotional songs. Many people fast on this day and offer prayers to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. The streets are decorated with colorful lights and vendors sell traditional snacks like Vada Pav, Pithla Bhakri, and Kanda Bhaji. This festival truly captures the essence of Maharashtra and its rich culture.
Highlight of the festival: The procession
When is it celebrated: 29th June 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Vada Pav, Pithla Bhakri, and Kanda Bhaji
Mangala Gauri
Mangala Gauri is a popular festival of Maharashtra. It is an occasion to honor and seek blessings from Goddess Gauri, who symbolizes strength, prosperity, and well-being. During this festival, married women observe fasts and perform rituals to appease the goddess and seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. The festivities include decorating homes with flowers, exchanging sweets, and singing devotional songs. With its colorful and vibrant celebrations, Mangala Gauri is one of the most beloved festivals in Maharashtra that truly captures the essence of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlight of the festival: This vrata is a very powerful ritual where wives pray for the long life of their partners
When is it celebrated: 18th July- 14th September 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Maharashtrian Cuisine
Shivaji Jayanti
Shivaji Jayanti is one of the biggest festivals in Maharashtra, and for good reason! It’s a celebration of the birth anniversary of the legendary Maratha warrior, Shivaji. But, let’s face it, we all know that festivals are an excuse to let loose and have some fun. So, this Shivaji Jayanti, why not shake things up a bit? Don’t just dress up in traditional clothes and eat sweets, try something exciting! Maybe hold a sword-fighting competition or host a race where everyone must ride on wooden horses. After all, it’s the little quirks that make celebrations truly memorable.
Highlight of the festival: a colorful procession is organized on this day where there are many dancers who perform traditional songs.
When is it celebrated: 19th February 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Marathi Food Thali
Kojagiri Pournima
Kojagiri Pournima, also known as Sharad Purnima, is a famous festival of Maharashtra. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin and is marked by a variety of unique customs and traditions. On this day, people stay awake all night and indulge in fun activities like playing games, singing songs, and telling stories. They also prepare special delicacies like kheer, puran poli, and masala milk to savor with their loved ones. Kojagiri Pournima is a time to celebrate the arrival of the autumn season and the bounty of nature. So, this year, let’s light up our homes with diyas, wear new clothes, and welcome the festival with open arms!
Highlight of the festival: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi
When is it celebrated: 28th October 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: kheer, puran poli, Masala Milk
Banganga Festival
The Banganga Festival is a celebration of music, culture, and spirituality that takes place in the heart of Mumbai every year. This biggest festival in Maharashtra brings together a diverse mix of performers, from classical musicians to contemporary artists, who all come together to showcase their unique talents. But what really sets Banganga apart is its stunning location – the festival takes place in the Banganga Tank, a historic stepwell that’s said to have been built by Lord Rama himself! So, if you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind festival experience in Maharashtra, make sure to check out the Banganga Festival.
Highlight of the festival: The celebration witnesses show and melodic exhibitions of eminent artists from all over India.
When is it celebrated: January 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Vegetarian Marathi Cuisine
Vat Pournima
Vat Pournima, also known as Vat Savitri, is a unique and traditional festival of Maharashtra. On this day, married women tie threads around banyan trees and pray for the well-being of their husbands. Legend has it that Savitri, a devoted wife, saved her husband Satyavan from the clutches of death. This festival is a beautiful celebration of love, devotion, and the power of nature. So, if you’re in Maharashtra during Vat Pournima, be sure to witness this heartwarming ritual!
Highlight of the festival: Women observe fast through the night to the next morning
When is it celebrated: 3rd June 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: wet pulses, jackfruit, palm fruit, bananas, Kendu, rice, mangoes, and many other fruits.
Rang Panchami
Rang Panchami is one of the most fun and popular festivals of Maharashtra, celebrated five days after Holi. It’s a day when people go all out with their colorful festivities, throwing colors, dancing, and indulging in delicious treats. The festival’s origins can be traced back to ancient times when it was believed that the colors would purify the environment and ward off evil spirits. Today, it’s a vibrant and lively celebration that brings people together in a fun and playful atmosphere. So, get ready to paint the town red, blue, green, and yellow because Rang Panchami is here to brighten up your day!
Highlight of the festival: Colors, Sweets
When is it celebrated: 14th September 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Gujiya, Puran Poli
Pola
Pola is a unique festival celebrated in Maharashtra, where bulls are worshipped and honored for their hard work in farming. During this festival, bulls are adorned with colorful decorations and taken on a parade through the village. Farmers also give their bulls a day off and feed them with special treats like jaggery and gram. It’s a fun festival that celebrates the close relationship between humans and animals. Pola is not just about the bulls; it’s also an occasion for farmers to socialize and exchange farming techniques. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind celebration that showcases the agricultural heritage of Maharashtra.
Highlight of the festival: parade of decorated bulls
When is it celebrated: 12th March 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Karanji, Puran Poli
Jiviti Pooja
Jiviti Pooja is performed by married Maharashtrian women on any friday during the month of Shravan, Jiviti is the manifestation of the Goddess Parvati who is revered for shielding the young ones. Female members from the Maharashtrian ethnic group invite them over lunch. Puran Poli, a variety of sweets, must be served at meals. After the pooja in the evening, married women receive roasted Chana along with the customary offering of Haldi and kumkum. Maharashtrian married women have a custom of individually applying kumkum in the center of the forehead and Haldi at the base to other women on every special occasion.
Highlight of the festival: Worshiping Goddess Parvati
When is it celebrated: 6th October 2023
Special feast to enjoy during the festival: Puran Poli
As we conclude our journey through the famous festivals of Maharashtra, one thing is for sure – this state knows how to celebrate in style! From the vibrant colors of Holi to the joyous beats of Ganesh Chaturthi, Maharashtra’s festivals are truly a sight to behold. So next time you find yourself in this state, be sure to join in the festivities and experience the magic for yourself!
Also, to know more about Maharashtra and its spiritual significance, check out our blog- Temples to Visit in Maharashtra.
