Maharashtra means ‘Maha’- great, and ‘Rashtra’ means -dynasty. Hence, the word Great nation or great dynasty was coined. It was mentioned in history since the 2nd century BC.

Maharashtra is famous for its rich culture and beauty. Its commercial and industrial complexes, rich heritage, ancient beauties of Ajanta and Ellora.

Nevertheless, they have gifted Maharashtra real meaning and pride. Filled with culture, many cultural festivals are celebrated in the land of the Great Marathas.

Home for many Maharashtrian people and the Bhoomi of “Raja Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” It’s here that one can view the traditions and festivals of the Maharashtrian people. 

The cultural festivals celebrated in Maharashtra  (February- March) 

Maharashtra is made up of 6 major regions. They are Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati, Konkan, Pune, and Nagpur. The state government has announced 20 mini festivals across these regions. The place flourishes with tourism during February and March.  

Nashik 

• Grape Harvesting festival – The grape harvest festival of Nashik, promotes Nashik vineyards and their tourism to a great extent. The Maharashtra State tourism along with Nashik valley wine organises ‘The Indian grape harvest wine festival’.
• Harvest is important in Maharashtrian farmer’s life. This festival takes you through the journey of their vineyards, raisin makers small cottage industries and big units of production. Even wine tourism, winemaking, wine paintings, vinotherapy, cover bathing in wine. It also fun activities like grape stomping and live winemaking. 

• Madhmeshwar festival-  The bird sanctuary of Madhmeshwar in Nandur is popular for various bird species. They come across for halt during Feb-March. Many bird watchers and bird lovers from different regions visit here for bird-watching.

Hence, the Maharashtra government celebrates this event as a cultural festival. It showcases a range of bird species all over the globe making it an international bird-watching festival. 

• Fireflies Festival in Ahmednagar district- The fireflies festival of Bandardhara, in Ahmednagar, is nature’s beauty. Many fireflies come here before the monsoon. It’s a magical sight to experience and capture in the camera forever.

• Festival-in Wai, Satara – Wai celebrates its Krishnamai festival along with a two-day Jatra festival. The Devi yantras and jatras are a site of spirituality and a religious experience. These festivals attract tourists from all around Maharashtra. 

Konkan   

The Global Konkan festival is organized every year. It features the agriculture, fishing, arts, culture, tourism-and the cuisine of Konkan. It is the largest festival attracting many tourists every year. Therefore representing the Konkani culture. 

• Kite festival in Vengurla Sindhudurg – Vengurla is considered the gem of Sindhudurg. There are many beach activities. Even the kite festival is organized at Vengurla beach. The fishermen activities and the serene beauty of this beach attracts a lot of tourists. 

• Katal ship festival- Katal ships are the petroglyphs that are scattered in Ratnagiri. These are rock carvings that are directly made on rocks and are existing since 8200 BCE. 

• Anjarle festival- Anjarle celebrates its turtle festival, as hundreds of turtles visit here. The mass gathering of turtles is to lay eggs. Visitors from all over the world come here to view this mesmerising site.  

• Hottal festival in Nanded- Hottal is a village in Nanded. Moreover, people from nearby villages come over and celebrate this festival.
• This festival includes their local folk dance, a singing show, and plays. It represents their local culture and traditions. Tourists taste their local food and enjoy the festival with great fun and enthusiasm. 

Nagpur 

Sindh raja festival and the Narnala fort festival in Akola are great displays of the Nagpur culture.  It is a crucial part of the cultural festivals of Maharashtra.  

• Ramtek festival-  In memory and honor of the great Kalidas, Nagpur organizes ramtak Festival. This is a two-day event with music, dance, drama, poems, and skits performed. In the rememberance of the great Kalidas.

Nevertheless, the Bor dam festival and wildlife in Vardha and the Bodalkasa festival in Gondia are tourist attractions. One can visit the dam and enjoy the natural beauty.

Amravati 

The forest festival in Tipeshwar is a great site to visit. The tourists can spot the wildlife sanctuary and view our national animal- ‘Tiger.’

However, the state government is building more forest areas near the vicinity to maintain and protect the wildlife reserves.

The cultural festivals of Maharashtra aren’t just over yet!

Moreover, there are a few more cultural mini fests such as Laling fort festivals, Panhala festival, Shrivardhan beach festival. They represent the culture and traditions of the people.

These mini-festivals attract tourists in huge numbers and help develop state tourism. Thus spreading awareness of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, cuisine, and traditions. 

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