Culture of Maharashtra – Festivals, Art and Traditions / Famous customs and practices of Maharashtra. / Why Maharashtra culture is unique?

Culture of Maharashtra – Festivals, Art and Traditions / Famous customs and practices of Maharashtra. / Why Maharashtra culture is unique? 

Maharashtra is a region in India where we see a unique confluence of Vedic and folk culture. For administration purpose, the state of Maharashtra is divided into Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Konkan, Khandesh (Northern Maharashtra). Deep history is hidden in this great land. Great people have made history by being born in this land. Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Shri Tukaram Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar etc. Maharashtra is also called the land of saints. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who holds the highest position in the history of the Marathas, fought a lifelong struggle against the Mughals for the establishment of the Maratha Empire in the soil of Maharashtra. He promoted Marathi language in the administration. The inhabitants of Maharashtra and their culture, language and lifestyle are known as Marathas which shouldn't be discriminated by caste or religion. Maharashtra is famous for its unique customs and practices. So, let's see Why Maharashtra is unique? 

Maharashtrian attire:

Since Maharashtra has been a Maratha state from the very beginning, people speak Marathi language. Maharashtra is very different. Here the men wear Kurta, Payjamas or White Dhoti and a Gandhi Topi or Maharashtrian saffron colour pheta on the head. But now in modern times with the age of western dressing, clothes like shirts, t-shirts, pants, jeans are worn. But if you go to rural areas, you will see men in traditional attire. ‘Dabewale’, a world-class management guru in Mumbai, will be seen wearing white Payjamas, a Kurta and a Gandhi Topi. Women in Maharashtra wear sari and wear a choli or blouse. There are two types of sarees nine-yard Saree (Nauwari) and six-yard saree(sahawari). There are different ways to wear a Nauwari sari. Simple Nauwari, Brahmani Nauwari, Peshwa Nauwari, Kashta Nauwari and Nauwari worn in lavani-a folk  dance. The method of wearing sari varies from district to district in Maharashtra. traditional ornaments should be worn on the sari. Necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings and most importantly the Maharashtrian Nath (nose ring), in the old days every woman had a nose ring. Nath has given a different identity to a Maharashtrian woman. Although women do not wear sari when going to the office due to today's hectic work, but Sari is their first choice for festivals, ceremonies, cultural events. Paithani saree is very popular in Maharashtra.

Maharashtrian Attire

Food Culture / Cooking:

Puranpoli: 'Puranpoli'(sweet dal with jaggery stuffed roti) is a delicacy made in every Maharashtrian household for the festival. No festival is celebrated without offering Puranpoli to God. Puranpoli is as difficult to make as it looks and is good to eat. Gulwani, Bhaji and Amti with Puranpoli is a feast for food-lovers. 

Puran Poli

Modak: Modak is especially loved by Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the puja usually concludes with an offering of 21 Modaks to Ganesha as prasadam. The mixture of coconut and jaggery is stuffed inside with a crust of rice or wheat flour. The food that brings happiness is called 'Modak'. Boiled modak, fried modak, saffron modak and khoya modak are different variants of Modak. 

Tambda pandhra Rassa (Non veg): Tambda Pandhra rassa is famous in Maharashtra. The white gravy is weedy while the red gravy is spicy. The red and white gravy is said to  be reminiscent of Kolhapur. 

Tambda Pandhra Rassa

Kandi Pedha: In Maharashtra, there are two types of ‘pedha’ made from condensed milk and cream. The villages of Pune, Satara and Kolhapur are famous for pedha. Kandi Pedha is a famous sweet from Satara in Western Maharashtra. Pedha is made from condensed milk and Pedha made from cream is called 'Malai Pedha'. Kandi pedha is a round with smooth textured sweet that comes in cardamo and kesar flavours. In Maharashtra, it is customary to distribute this sweet with relatives and friends on happy occasions like engagement ceremony, weddings, naming ceremony, etc. 

Wada Pav: One of the favourite snacks in Maharashtra. Wada pav has become an integral part of Maharashtrian culture. Peanut chutney or fried green chillies add a different flavour to Wada pav.

You can find Poha, Shira and Uppit in almost every Maharashtrian home which are evergreen breakfast items. Jhunka bhakri and kharada is also a Maharashtrian dish. In mango season, you can taste Aamras Puri at home. Wheat chapati or bhakri (Jowar or Bajra roti) is eaten on daily basis. At the same time, Varan-Bhat (Dal and Rice), Masale Bhat and Ghee, along with Matki, Gram, Fenugreek leaves, Shepu, Okra, Potato, Amti are prepared. Kheer, Gulabjamun, Laddu, Jalebi, Shira, Shreekhanda are added to this meal along with pickles, various types of Chutneys, Papads, salads and sweets. Diwali is incomplete without sweets. On Diwali, Chivda, Chakli, Laddu, Shankarpali, Karanji etc. are traditionally prepared.

Traditional Architecture:

Kolhapur New Palace

Maharashtra is famous for its caves and rock cut architecture. Many forts were built in the 16th century of the Maratha Empire. His composition is very conservative Hindu style and favourable. In Maratha architecture, you can see many forts like Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, Pratapgad Fort, Raigad Fort. They reflect a peculiar architectural style regarded as Maratha Architecture. Shivaji Maharaj's mother Jijabai had asked the artisans to renovate some of the temples. There are many caves in Maharashtra such as Ajanta Ellora Caves, Ramling Caves. Many caves have been excavated in the hills during the Buddhist period. European style constructions built during the British period are more common in Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai University, Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai Municipal Corporation Building, Savitribai Phule (Pune) University are European style buildings. Mumbai has one of the largest collections of art deco buildings in the world. 

Traditional Temple Architecture

Language:

‘Marathi’ is the official language of Maharashtra. The locals here speak Marathi. There are different variations of Marathi language which changes after every few miles. Most of the people in Maharashtra are multilingual. Generally, both Marathi and Hindi is spoken. One of the most famous Marathi poems is composed by poet Suresh Bhatt and Kaushal Inamdar.

“लाभले आम्हास भाग्य बोलतो मराठी (We are great-full to speak Marathi)

जाहलो खरेच धन्य ऐकतो मराठी.” (We are blessed to hear Marathi)

It is a very melodious composition which aims to reconcile every Marathi-speaking individual to the beauty of the language.

Art, Folk Dance and Music:

Maharashtra is rich in culture. In different societies we get to see different types of singing, types of dancing, poetry, music. Talking about music in Maharashtra would not be complete without mentioning theatrical music, innumerable folk songs and great saint poets. Abhang is a special type of poetry developed in ancient Marathi literature. Saint Tukaram did the work of guiding the society accurately through his literature and Kirtan. Saint Tukaram's poems are called Abhangs which are a great symbol of the Maharashtrian culture and traditions. Warkaris, devotees of God, writers, scholars and general aficionados still study his Abhangas.

Saint Tukaram Maharaj

Influential folk arts of Maharashtra mainly include Bhajan (devotional songs), Kirtan (a unique way of narrating stories part musical to imbibe values), Bharud, Jagran Gondhal, Lok Natya (musical drama), Tamasha, Lezim, Povada. Povada is a well-known form of Marathi folk art. Povada is a Marathi poem that tells the story of bravery of Maratha warriors. Povada has been sung in Maharashtra since the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Lavani dance has also been very famous in Maharashtra since time immemorial. It is performed in village fairs.

Religion:

Most of the people in Maharashtra are Hindus. Ganesh, Vitthal, other incarnations of Vishnu such as Prabhu Ramchandra and Krishna, Hanuman, Dattatreya and Shiva along with Parvati are deities popular with Hindus of Maharashtra. Khandoba and Jyotiba are the considered as incarnations of Lord Shiva and are worshiped in almost every family.  Marathi Hindus also revere Bhakti saints associated with varkari sects such as Dnyaneshwar, Savata mali, Tukaram Maharaj, Namdev and Chokhamela. There are Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and people of other religions in Maharashtra. The people of Maharashtra are proud of their cultural diversity and respect every religion.

 Ceremonies, Rituals and Festivals:

The main ceremonies in Hindu culture include those related to birth, weddings as well as death rituals.

The Marathi people have a household shrine called a “Devaghar” with idols, symbols, and pictures of various deities for daily worship. In Hindu families food is first offered to the deity in the household shrine, as Naivedya(prasad) before being consumed by family.

Maharashtrian Devghar

Satyanarayana Pooja: Satyanarayana Pooja is a ceremony that is performed before starting any new work. Vastu shanti and “Satyanarayana” Pooja are performed before moving into a new house. 

Wedding Ceremony:The Marathi wedding rituals are performed with a lot of vivacity and enthusiasm. Maharashtrian weddings are performed in proper traditional way and all the rituals are performed by a priest. Each stage in the wedding ritual in Maharashtra has some imperative significance. Hindu people marry within their own castes however, as time has changed people are fine with inter-caste marriages. Following this the Pandit decides the auspicious date for the wedding. However, the marriage alliance is finalized only after matching of the horoscopes by the family Pandit. Elements of a traditional Marathi Hindu wedding ceremony includes Sakhar puda(engagement), Kelwan ritual (bride and groom are invited for lunch by their respective relatives), Haldi, Seemant Puja, Antarpat ritual, Sankalp, kanyadan, Saptapadi, Grihapravesh, Reception.

Haldi Ceremony-The Perfect Blend Of Tradition and Fun

The priest chants Mangalashtakas or sacred vows accompanied by musicians. That’s when everyone showers them with Akshata (whole rice). Saying out loud the seven wedding vows, the couple together encircles the holy fire seven times which is called as Saptapadi. 

Saptapadi

A Marathi Hindu woman becomes part of her husband’s family after marriage and adopts the gotra as well as the traditions of her husband’s family. After wedding Ceremonies, many Maratha families arrange a traditional religious singing performance by a Gondhali group.

Gondhal program after wedding 

Barsa (Naming Ceremony): Naming Ceremony also known as Naamkaran. On this day baby is put into a cradle for the first time.Naming ceremonies are performed on the twelfth day after the birth of the baby. Relatives and close friends are invited to attend and bless the baby.

Barsa: Naming Ceremony

Antyesti: Antyesti means “last sacrifice” and refers to the funeral rites for the dead in Hinduism, which usually involve cremation of the body. The last rites are usually complete within a day of death. Ten days later, a ceremony is held at the home of the deceased in order to liberate the soul for its ascent into heaven.

Maharashtrian people celebrate several festivals during the year. These include Gudhi Padwa, Makar Sankranti, Holi, Vatpurnima, Gurupurnima, Nagpanchami, Rakshabandhan, Gokulashtami, Manglagauri, Ganesh utsav, Nauratri utsav, Diwali, Wari, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.

Gudi Padva is the first festival of the Marathi year on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra(first month of Maharashtrian calender). People celebrate Gudipadva hoist Gudi on their house. Gudipadva road rallies are one of the most popular in the world. The rally features women wearing traditional saree, feta and firing bullets.

Gudhipadwa Festival

Vat Purnima is a festival celebrated in memory of “Vatsavitri”. This is celebrated by married women. Savitri had asked for a boon for her husband under the Banyan Tree, so women tie a thread to the banyan tree and wish her husband a long and healthy life."Gurupurnima" as the name suggests this day is dedicated to pay respect and express gratitude towards teachers.

Most of the Marathi festivals are present in the month Shravan(fifth month of Mahrashtrian calender). On every Monday, devotees keep the fast and worship Lord Shiva for success and Prosperity. Narali purnima/ Rakshabandhan is celebrated on full moon day of the month Shravan. On this day sister ties a certain thread on wrist of the brother-sister relation. Janmashtami is a grand festival celebrated all over Maharashtra to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. It is a joyful festival for the Hindus. Maharashtrian people enact the Krishna’s childhood attempts to steal butter and curd from earthen pots which were beyond his reach. A similar earthen pot is suspended high above the ground groups of people from human pyramids. On the day of Bail Pola, the farmer's friend bull is worshiped at home. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ten days with great enthusiasm. Modaks are offered to Lord Ganesha. Various events are held. Just like Gudhi padwa people carry out rallies during this festival. Holi-Dhulivandan is also celebrated by lighting Holi. Ever since the eve of Holi sees people light bonfires marking the incident and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Puran Poli is the special dish of Maharashtra which is prepared on every occasion at every house especially during all festivals. Diwali said that Chivda Chakli Laddu Karanji etc. are made at home. Mahalakshmi is worshiped by lighting lamps. Vasubaras, Padva, Bhaubij are celebrated on Diwali.

Wari is also a culture of Maharashtra. Pandharpur Wari is the major folk festival of Maharashtra. Maharashtrian people participate in the Wari, with the common goal to reach Pandharpur and worship the deity. This is said to be one of the World’s largest and oldest movement where people gather on a specific day every year and walk for a distance of around 250 km.

Pandharpur Wari

Tourism:

Maharashtra is the most popular tourist destination in India. In Maharashtra tourism, you can see beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, water falls, magnificent forts, ancient pilgrimage sites, museums, historical buildings. From the Arabian Sea to the mountains of the Sahyadri, the Konkan beaches are soothing to bored souls from the city. Ganpatipule, Shivaji Maharaj's Sindhudurg or Murud Janjira, Harihareshwar, Diveagar, Vengurla etc. Maharashtra is home to the deepest, darkest and most mysterious ancient caves. The ruins of the ancient forts and palaces in Pune and Kolhapur among others proudly narrates the story of the then mighty rulers of Maharashtra. As do the small hill stations of Mahabaleshwar, Lonawala, Matheran, nestled cozily in nature provide respite to travelers from the hustle and bustle of the cities.  

Raigad Fort

Sanctuaries:

Maharashtra is trying to protect the abundant species through sanctuaries. You can also visit the sanctuary in Maharashtra. Dajipur Sanctuary, Harishchandragad- Kalsubai Sanctuary, Koyna Sanctuary, Bhimashankar Sanctuary, Karnala Sanctuary, Chandoli Sanctuary, Tansa Sanctuary, Phanasad Sanctuary. Tadoba Andhari Tiger project and national park is the largest home of Bengal Tigers in Maharashtra, located in Chandrapur district. Nagzira Wildlife sanctuary between Bhandara and Gondia district of Maharashtra is a lesser known sanctuary in India. The sanctuary is known for picturesque landscape and number of wild animals, reptiles, birds, insects and ant species. Radhanagari Bison sanctuary or Dajipur wildlife sanctuary in Kolhapur is mainly created to project Indian bison or Gaur.

Tadoba Sanctuary

Marathi people have managed to preserve their culture like no other in India. They are very and mean very strict and particular about their age-old customs and traditions. As our knowledge of the universe and natural phenomena increases, more and more people become aware of the importance of cultural values imparted in the individual by the society. If you live in a Marathi community, you would experience Marathi culture. Culture as such cannot be defined. It has to be experienced.