Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Today’s article is on Maharashtra state festivals. Maharashtra is the third largest state in India with 307,000 sq.km. As big as this state is, there are so many big and attractive festivals, knowing which your mind will be very happy. So without further delay let’s find out.
1. Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi)
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most gaily celebrated Hindu festivals. It is celebrated in various state of India, especially in the state of Maharashtra. It commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is popularly known as bringer of happiness and prosperity by removing troubles (suffering, pain). Ganesh Chaturthi usually falls in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrava (August or September), which is celebrated for 10 days. Then the idol of Lord Ganesha (the demolisher of all the obstacles) is immersed in the rivers and lakes.
At the beginning of the festival, people go to take the idol of Vignaharta (the demolisher of all the obstacles) in a big group, dancing to the beat of drums. They are installed by people in the houses, public places and society. Their idols are usually made of clay, which does not harm the environment. Lord Ganesha idols ranging from small size to huge size, are crafted by expert artisans.
At the time of their establishment, rituals are performed by chanting Vedic sources and mantras. During the entire ten-day festival, Ganesha devotees feel blessed by offering prayers, flowers, incense and sweets with full faith and trust to get the blessings of Lord Ganesha (the demolisher of all the obstacles) . Modak is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite food. It is offered to him for ten days.
On the last day of this festival, Ganesha devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha during a magnificent immersion ceremony called Ganesh Visarjan. The idols of Lord Ganesha are taken to water bodies like rivers and lakes in large groups. Where Lord Ganesha is cremated with full respect, honor and devotion. At that time prospective devotees propitiate Lord Ganesha to return soon next year, and the rhythm of the music makes the atmosphere full of joy. Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a festival but also a cultural festival, which unites different communities and brings them together in the worship of Lord Ganesha. So that the sense of unity is awakened. Social unity is formed by overcoming the barriers of religion. This festival is a reflection of joy, devotion and unity. Ganesha devotees firmly believe that worshiping Lord Ganesha (the demolisher of all the obstacles) does not cause any kind of trouble.
2. Diwali (Deepavali)
Diwali is known as the biggest festival of India. Celebrated by people of every religion, Hindu, Jain, Sikh. People of India decorate their houses with different colors in this festival. In this festival, people spend a lot of money by buying new clothes, buying new cheeses for the house, buying firecrackers for fireworks. There is a boom in the markets of India during this festival. These festivals last for five days. In which every day has special importance. On the night of Diwali, people burst crackers and celebrate. Diwali is also known as Prakash Parva. Diwali falls on the new moon day of Kartak month (October or November). This festival is a symbol of the fight between religion and religion. Diwali begins with Dhanteras, when the people of India worship Dhan (wealth). Buys gold, silver items, and worships Lakshmi Mata (Goddess Of Wealth) for happiness and prosperity. Because Lakshmi Mata is known as the goddess of wealth. Many businessmen also perform special pooja for their business to go well in the coming year.
The second day after Dhanteras is known as Naraka Chaturdasi. On that day, some people go to the crematorium and perform special mantras to please the deities. Commemorates the defeat of the demons by Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama. By some people plucking bitter fruits portends the victory of good over evil.
After Naraka Chaturdasi comes the festival of Diwali. On this day, people have been gathering since morning to celebrate with full joy. This festival is known as Prakash Parva and people light up their homes and temples with oil lamps, candles and lights. People wear new clothes, and express wishes by exchanging sweets and gifts with friends, relatives and family. Pray to Mother Lakshmi for happiness, prosperity and increase in wealth. Bursting firecrackers at night adds significantly to the festive atmosphere of Prakash Parva (Diwali)
The fourth day of Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja. The cow is worshiped on that day as the cow is considered sacred in Hinduism, and is a symbol of the earth. Govardhan hill was lifted by Lord Krishna on this day.
.The last day of Diwali is known as Bhai Bija. On that day, Sisters invites his brother to have dinner at his house. And after performing aarti of brother, he applied Tilak on his forehead and prayed to God for his long life and happiness. By giving love and gifts to Sister in return, the brothers give the confidence that they will always be with you in happiness and sorrow. This festival strengthens family ties, and upholds the sacred bond of brotherhood. This festival is eagerly watched by Sisters (Behen).
3. Gudi Padwa
Gudipadvo is a Hindu festival. It is widely celebrated mainly in Maharashtra. It falls on the day of Chaitra Sud Ekam (Hindu Calendar). It is celebrated with great joy. And it has a different significance. Gudipadwa marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in Maharashtra as well as other provinces. Gudipadwa is considered auspicious and lucky. On that day people take important work, important decisions, ventures. The importance of Gudipadwa increases when Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. The festival begins with the installation of goodies outside the houses. A goodi is a decorated bamboo stick or pole, topped with glittering clothes, a coconut archway, neem leaves and ornaments, and is placed outside the main door of the house. This day is considered a symbol of victory. This festival is celebrated by people with great joy and gaiety.
On the day of Gudipadwa, people wake up at dawn to celebrate this festival with all their heart, and after bathing, put on new clothes and start decorating their houses. Decorate the courtyard of the house with colorful rangoli. People then gather to worship Gudi, then also worship Brahma, Vishnu and Lakshmi Mata for prosperity. After that innovative dishes are made and sold to each other. This festival is really worth enjoying. This festival showcases the culture of Maharashtra. Cultural events, gatherings are held in Maharashtra. Friends and relatives meet, and exchange sweets with each other, which is a symbol of unity. Markets are crowded with traditional items and festive items being bought. Since the people here are very optimistic, they celebrate this festival with great faith, joy and hope that the new year will increase in happiness and prosperity.
4. Uttrayan (Makarsakranti)
Uttrayan also known as Makarsakranti. It is a festival celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over India. This time the Sun is orbiting in Capricon, aptly named Makarsakranti, and its date is fixed on January 14. At Makarsakranti the Sun moves north towards the Tropic of Cancer, thus making the end of winter and the beginning of summer. In this festival, Indians spend the whole night buying kites, string (manjha), hats, pipes, fake hair wigs, etc the next day. The markets are very crowded. Kite lovers wake up early in the morning and start flying kites on the rooftops. On this day, kite-flyers cut each other’s kites with great joy and chirping, making the atmosphere joyful. On the day of Makaraskranti, people donate food grains etc. to the needy in the south to earn merit, and pray to Sun God by bathing in holy rivers like Ganga, Godavari to purify the soul.
People in Uttrayan do not forget to make various dishes made from sesame, jaggery, rice, dal. People in Maharashtra make and sell delicious sweets like sesame and jaggery ladoo and puripoli. The festival is known by differnet names across India, such as “Pongal” in Tamil Nadu, and “Khichdi” in Uttar Pradesh. People’s joy is at its peak in this festival. Apart from kite flying competitions, Kite lovers also organize cultural programs and so many things.
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