Culture of Maharashtra

2025-10-10T07:19:16Z

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[[File:Gsb.jpg|thumb|[[Ganesh Chaturthi]], a popular festival in the state]]

[[Maharashtra]] is the third largest state of India in terms of land area and second largest in terms of population in India. It has a long history of Marathi saints of [[Varkari|Varakari religious movement]], such as [[Dnyaneshwar]], [[Namdev]], [[Chokhamela]], [[Eknath]] and [[Tukaram]] which forms the one of bases of the '''culture of Maharashtra''' or '''Marathi culture'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/2623/Santa-Bhoomi-Land-saints-Maharashtra-2|title=Sant Bhumi Maharashtra|access-date=21 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121212638/http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/2623/Santa-Bhoomi-Land-saints-Maharashtra-2|archive-date=21 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Maharashtrian culture had large influence over neighbouring regions under the [[Maratha Empire]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism-for-kids/499.html|title=Shivaji Maharaj, Founder and an Ideal ruler of Hindavi Swarajya|date=28 December 2012|access-date=21 November 2015|archive-date=21 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121203309/http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism-for-kids/499.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The state of Maharashtra spans multiple cultures which includes cultures related to [[Hindu]]s, [[Muslim]]s, [[Buddhist]]s, [[Sikh]]s, [[Christians]], etc. Lord [[Ganesha]], [[Hanuman|Maruti]], [[Shiva|Mahadeo]] in form of [[Lingam|Shivlinga]], [[Khandoba]], Kalubai devi, and Lord [[Vithoba|Vitthal]] are some of the deities worshipped by Hindus of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra is divided into 5 regions: [[Konkan]], [[Paschim Maharashtra]], [[North Maharashtra]], [[Marathwada]], [[Vidarbha]]. Each has its own cultural identity in the form of different dialects of [[Marathi language]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marathiheritage.com/language.html|title=Languages in Maharashtra|access-date=2015-11-21|archive-date=2015-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230201119/http://marathiheritage.com/language.html|url-status=live}}</ref> folk songs, food, dress and ethnicity.

== Overview ==
[[File:Emperor of Maratha India.jpg|thumb|right|Statue of [[Shivaji]] opposite to [[Gateway of India]] in [[North Mumbai]]]] Around 80% of Maharashtrians are Hindu, and there are significant [[Muslim]], [[Christians|Christian]] and [[Buddhist]] minorities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra latest caste/religionwise population demographics|url=http://infoelections.com/infoelection/index.php/maharashtra/7770-maharashtra-caste-religion-wise-population-demographics.html|date=July 2016|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915114738/http://infoelections.com/infoelection/index.php/maharashtra/7770-maharashtra-caste-religion-wise-population-demographics.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Maharashtrian culture consists of people from all a vast majority of religions. Due to it being huge areawise, many sub-regional cultures also exist in Maharashtra. The sub region of [[Vidarbha]], was earlier a part of [[Central Provinces and Berar]], hence it has that influence upon its culture.<ref>{{cite web|title=Important facts about Vidarbha|url=http://www.realityviews.in/2010/03/important-facts-regarding-vidarbha.html|access-date=2017-09-15|archive-date=2017-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915114828/http://www.realityviews.in/2010/03/important-facts-regarding-vidarbha.html|url-status=live}}</ref> There are many temples in [[Maharashtra]], some of which are thousands of years old. These temples are constructed in a fusion of architectural styles borrowed from North and South India. The temples also blend themes from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultures. The temple of Lord [[Vitthal]] at [[Pandharpur]] is the most important temple for the Varkari sect. Other important religious places are the [[Ashtavinayaka]] temples of Lord [[Ganesha]], Bhimashankar which is one of the Jyotirling (12 important Lord Shiva temples).<ref>{{cite web|title=Temples of Maharashtra|url=http://www.india.com/travel/discover/state-maharashtra/theme-temples/|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915114738/http://www.india.com/travel/discover/state-maharashtra/theme-temples/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top 12 Shiva temples in Maharashtra|date=12 August 2015 |url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/festivals/religion/top-12-most-famous-lord-shiva-temples-of-maharashtra/|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915114257/http://www.walkthroughindia.com/festivals/religion/top-12-most-famous-lord-shiva-temples-of-maharashtra/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Near [[Aurangabad]] are [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]s and famous tourist attractions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ajanta Caves|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218043116/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ellora Caves|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218043116/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242|url-status=live}}</ref> Mughal architecture can be seen in the tomb of the wife of [[Aurangzeb]] called [[Bibi Ka Maqbara]] located at Aurangabad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bibi Ka Maqbara|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/religious-places/bibi-ka-maqbara.html|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915163550/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/religious-places/bibi-ka-maqbara.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and has humid climate throughout the year. The Gateway Of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Shaniwar Wada, Agakhan Palace and Deekshabhoomi are some of the historical monuments.

Maharashtra has a large number of hill, land and sea [[fort]]s. Forts have played an important role in the history of Maharashtra since the time of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Some of the important forts in Maharashtra are [[Shivneri Fort|Shivneri]], [[Raigad Fort|Raigad]], [[Vijaydurg Fort|Vijaydurg]], [[Pratapgad]], [[Sinhagad]]. The majority of the forts in Maharashtra are found along the coastal region of Konkan and the adjoining Sahyadri ranges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 25 monuments in Maharashtra|date=26 August 2015 |url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/attraction/top-25-most-popular-historical-monuments-of-maharashtra/|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915114109/http://www.walkthroughindia.com/attraction/top-25-most-popular-historical-monuments-of-maharashtra/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Religions, castes and sects ==
===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Maharashtra}}
[[File:Khandoba in a household shrine.JPG|thumb|right|Household shrine in a Maharashtrian Hindu home]]
Marathi Hindus revere many religious figures. Among the figures who originated in the region are Banka Mahar, Bhagu, Damajipanth, [[Kanhopatra]], Karmamelam, Nirmala, Sadna, Sakhubai, Satyakam Jabali and Soyarabai.<ref>Shepherd, P. 111 ''Gurus Rediscovered:''</ref>

According to the 2011 census, [[Hinduism]] was the principal religion in the state at 79.83% of the total population, while [[Islam in India|Muslims]] constituted 11.54% of the total population. Maharashtra has the India's largest Buddhist and Jain populations. [[Buddhism]] accounted for 6% in Maharashtra's total population, with 6.53 million followers, which is 77% of all [[Buddhism in India|Buddhists in India]]. [[Jainism|Jains]], [[Christianity|Christians]] and [[Sikhism|Sikhs]] constituted 1.2%, 1.0%, 0.2% of the population respectively.<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>

===Caste===
The traditional caste hierarchy was headed by the Brahmin castes-the [[Chitpavan]]s, [[Karhade]]s, [[Deshastha]]s and the [[Saraswat]]s.<ref name="Sharmila Rege 2013 28">{{cite book|title= Writing Caste/Writing Gender: Narrating Dalit Women's Testimonies|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=p4-oDAAAQBAJ|page= 28|publisher= Zubaan Books|year= 2013|author= Sharmila Rege|isbn= 9789383074679|quote= The traditional caste hierarchy was headed by the brahmin castes-the deshasthas, chitpavans, karhades saraswats and the chandraseniya kayastha prabhus.|access-date= 2023-03-20|archive-date= 2023-04-25|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230425210423/https://books.google.com/books?id=p4-oDAAAQBAJ|url-status= live}}</ref> In Mumbai during British rule, this included the Devrukha and Daivadnyna Brahmin communities.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rosenzweig |first1=Mark |last2=Munshi |first2=Kaivan |date=September 2006 |title=Traditional Institutions Meet the Modern World: Caste, Gender, and Schooling Choice in a Globalizing Economy |journal=American Economic Review |volume=96 |number=4 |pages=1225–1252 |doi=10.1257/aer.96.4.1225 |url=http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/aer.96.4.1225 |quote=(page 1228)High castes include all the Brahmin jatis, as well as a few other elite jatis (CKP and Pathare Prabhus). Low castes include formerly untouchable and backward castes (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Castes, as defined by the government of India). Medium castes are drawn mostly from the cultivator jatis, such as the Marathas and the Kunbis, as well as other traditional vocations that were not considered to be ritually impure. |access-date=2021-07-28 |archive-date=2015-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919155854/https://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/aer.96.4.1225 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Communal Identity in India: Its Construction and Articulation in the Twentieth Century|chapter=Race, caste and ethnic identity|page=138|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtztAAAAIAAJ&q=Maratha(MK)|author=Bidyut Chakrabarty|year=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|quote=Of the six groups, four are Brahmins; one is high non-brahmin caste, Chandraseniya Kayashth Prabhu (CKP), ranking next only to the Brahmins; and the other is a cultivating caste, Maratha (MK), belonging to the middle level of the hierarchy.|isbn=978-0195663303|access-date=2021-07-28|archive-date=2023-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414094410/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtztAAAAIAAJ&q=Maratha%28MK%29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title= Rajarshi Shahu: a model ruler | publisher=kirti prakashan|page=20|year=1994|author = V. B. Ghuge| quote= In the Hindu social hierarchy the privileged classes were Brahmins, CKP's and others. Similarly, other elite classes were Parsis and Europeans.}}</ref> The [[Maratha]]s are 32% in Western [[Maharashtra]] and the [[Kunbi]]s were 7%, whereas the [[Other Backward Class]] population (other than the Kunbi) was 27%. The population of the [[Mahar]]s was 8%. The high castes of ambiguous "settled migrant" status include: [[Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu]]s, [[Rajputs]], [[Pathare Prabhus]] and [[Charan]]s and [[Kayastha]] groups who migrated centuries ago to Maharashtra from northern India - and settled in north Maharashtra and regions surrounding Bombay and Daman.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=78rfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA217|page=216,217|title=Rise of the Plebeians?: The Changing Face of the Indian Legislative Assemblies (Exploring the Political in South Asia)|editor1=Christophe Jaffrelot|editor2=Sanjay Kumar|publisher=Routledge India|year=2009|isbn=9781136516627|access-date=2021-07-28|archive-date=2023-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414083930/https://books.google.com/books?id=78rfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA217|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Attire==
[[File:Marathi Women.jpg|right|thumb|A Maharashtrian woman in traditional attire(Navwari)]]
Traditional attire in Maharashtra includes the [[dhoti]], and [[Pheta (turban)|pheta]] for men, while a [[choli]] and nine-yard [[saree]] locally known as Navwri saree for women.<ref name=Saree>{{cite book|last=Ghurye|first=Govind Sadashiv|title=Indian Costume|year=1951|publisher=Popular Prakashan|location=Bombay|isbn=978-81-7154-403-5|pages=180|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irh9dvlLz3MC&q=ghurye&pg=PR5|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=2023-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630052702/https://books.google.com/books?id=irh9dvlLz3MC&q=ghurye&pg=PR5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Singh, and Mehta, 2004. Maharashtra (Vol. 30). Popular Prakashan. |first1=K.S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OmBjoAFMfjoC&dq=+attire+maratha&pg=PR10 |title=Maharashtra (Vol. 30) |last2=Mehta |first2=B.V. |date=2004 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |isbn=9788179911006 |access-date=2022-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630052703/https://books.google.com/books?id=OmBjoAFMfjoC&dq=+attire+maratha&pg=PR10 |archive-date=2023-06-30 |url-status=live}}</ref> Traditional attire is becoming rarer with trousers and shirts for males and five yard saree or [[salwar kameez]] for females as the popular replacements. The traditional attire is increasingly worn by Maharashtrians only during special occasions and festivals.
Marathi women also wear gajra or veni made by flowers on their sarees. Maharashtra also has rich Jewellery. Jewellery such as tanmani, bormal, Ranihar, kolhapuri saaj, thushi are worn on the neck; bajuband on area of hand above elbow; painjan wore on ankles; kudi, bugdi, vajra kutka, vel, Bali on ears; Marathi nath on nose; jodave on toes.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

==Cuisine==
{{Main|Maharashtrian cuisine}}
[[File:Vada Pav.jpg|thumb|left|[[Vada Pav]] is one of the popular modern snack foods of Maharashtra.]]
Maharashtrian cuisine has distinctive attributes, while sharing much with other [[Indian cuisine]]s. Traditionally, Maharashtrians have considered their food to be more austere than others. Maharashtrian cuisine includes mild and very spicy dishes.

A typical Maharashtrian meal consists of boiled rice, bhakri or poli along with varan, aamti and cooked lentils or a spiced vegetable. [[Bhakri]] is an integral part of Maharashtrian cuisine. Bhakri is a flame roasted bucolic bread made of flour of grains like pearl millet, rice, sorghum, amaranth and many others. Unlike other types of breads like chapatis which are flattened by [[Rolling pin]], Bhakri is flattened by hands.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Godbole|first=Nandita|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Aue5CgAAQBAJ&q=bhakri&pg=PT75|title=A Dozen Ways to Celebrate: Twelve Decadent Feasts for the Culinary Indulgent.|date=2014-09-09|publisher=Nandita Godbole|isbn=978-1-940957-17-3|language=en|access-date=2022-01-19|archive-date=2023-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630052707/https://books.google.com/books?id=Aue5CgAAQBAJ&q=bhakri&pg=PT75|url-status=live}}</ref>

Batata vada, Vada pav, Puran poli, Ukdiche modak, Sabudana khichdi, Pav-bhaji and Masala Bhat are some of the popular vegetarian dishes served throughout Maharashtra.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=KUMAWAT|first=LOVESH|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3OrkDwAAQBAJ&dq=maharashtrian+cuisine&pg=PA27|title=CUISINE|date=2020-05-18|publisher=NotionPress|isbn=978-1-64850-162-3|language=en|access-date=2022-01-19|archive-date=2023-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630052707/https://books.google.com/books?id=3OrkDwAAQBAJ&dq=maharashtrian+cuisine&pg=PA27|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Dummy 19 W.jpg|thumb|Mutton thali with Tambda and {{langr|mr|Pandhra}} rassa. A famous non-vegetarian dish originated from Kolhapur.]]
Non-vegetarian food consists of dishes mostly made of fish, chicken and mutton. Some of the popular non-vegetarian dishes include Sukka mutton, {{langr|mr|pandhra}} rassa, and tabmda rassa, which are originated from [[Kolhapur]] and saoji mutton which is popular in [[vidarbha]].<ref name=":1" />

The cuisine of Maharashtra can be divided into two major sections the coastal and the interior. Kokan, the coastal region of Maharashtra has its own type of cuisine which is a combination of dishes influenced by Malvani, Goud Saraswat Brahmin and Goan cuisine <ref name=":1" />

Distinctly Maharashtrian dishes include {{Transliteration|mr|pitla}}, {{Transliteration|mr|bhakri}}, {{Transliteration|mr|bharleli vangi}}, {{Transliteration|mr|ukdiche [[modak]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|aluchi patal bhaji}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[thalipeeth]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[pav bhaji]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[Puran Poli]]||}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[shrikhand]]||}}, {{Transliteration|mr|basundi}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[vada pav]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|nashik chi [[misal pav]]}}, and Mumbai [[chaat]]. {{Transliteration|mr|Puneri missal}}, {{Transliteration|mr|nagpuri}}, {{Transliteration|mr|sambar vada}}, and {{Transliteration|mr|selucha chanaare}} also considered to have originated from Maharashtra.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

[[File:Traditional_Puranpoli_-_Homemade_-_maharashtra.jpg|thumb|{{Background color|white|'''puran poli''',one of the most popular sweet item in Maharashtra}}]]

The Konkan, Varadi, Agri and khandeshi cuisines are popular with tourists. The specialty dishes of Maharashtran cuisines are often strong in pepper and spice with a twist of curry leaves, coconut and peanuts; well-known dishes include [[vada pav]], [[misal pav]] and Mumbai [[chaat]] and puneri missal, selucha chana.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

Typical breakfast items include {{Transliteration|mr|[[misal]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[pohe]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[upma]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|[[sheera]]}}, {{Transliteration|mr|sabudana khichadi}} and {{Transliteration|mr|[[thalipeeth]]}}. In some households leftover rice from the previous night is fried with onions, turmeric and mustard seeds for breakfast, making {{Transliteration|mr|phodnicha bhat}}. Typical Western breakfast items such as cereals, sliced bread and eggs, as well as South Indian items such as ''idli'' and ''dosa'' are also popular. Tea or coffee is served with breakfast.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}[[File:Bhaji-Bhakari.jpg|thumb|A typical Maharashtrian meal with bhaaji, bhakari, raw onion and pickle]]

=== Urban lunch and dinner menus ===
A Maharashtrian vegetarian meal with a variety of items
Vegetarian lunch and dinner plates in urban areas carry a combination of:

* Wheat flatbread such as round ''[[chapati]]'' or ''ghadichi poli'' (layered triangular chapati)
* Boiled rice
* Salad or ''[[koshimbir]]'' based on onions, tomatoes or cucumber
* {{Transliteration|mr|[[Papad]]}} or related snacks such as {{Transliteration|mr|sandge}}, {{Transliteration|mr|kurdaya}} and {{Transliteration|mr|sabudana papdya}}
* Dry or fresh chutney, mango or lemon [[South Asian pickles|pickles]]
* {{Transliteration|mr|Aamti}} or {{Transliteration|mr|varan}} soup based on {{Transliteration|mr|[[toor dal]]}}, other {{Transliteration|mr|dals}} or {{Transliteration|mr|[[kadhi]]}}. When {{Transliteration|mr|usal}} is part of the menu, the {{Transliteration|mr|aamti}} may be omitted.
* Vegetables with gravy based on seasonal availability such as egg plants, [[okra]], potatoes, or cauliflower
* Dry leafy vegetables such as spinach
* [[Usal]] based on [[Sprouting|sprouted]] or unsprouted whole legumes

Apart from bread, rice, and chutney, other items may be substituted. Families that eat meat, fish and poultry may combine vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with rice and chapatis remaining the staples. Vegetable or non-vegetable items are essentially dips for the bread or for mixing with rice.

Traditional dinner items are arranged in a circular way. With salt placed at [[Clock position|12 o'clock]], pickles, ''koshimbir'' and condiments are placed anti-clockwise of the salt. Vegetable preparations are arranged in a clockwise fashion with a sequence of leafy greens curry, dry vegetables, sprouted been curry (''usal'' ) and ''dal''. Rice is always on the periphery rather than in the center.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

=== Rural lunch and dinner menus ===
A typical Maharashtrian meal consists of bhaaji, bhakari, raw onion and pickle. In the Konkan coastal area a typical meal consists of boiled rice, ''bhakri'' made of rice or nachani flour and a vegetable.

In other areas of Maharashtra such as [[Desh, Maharashtra|Desh]], [[Khandesh]], [[Marathwada]] and [[Vidarbha]], the traditional staple was ''bhakri'' with a combination of ''dal'', and vegetables. The ''bhakri'' is increasingly replaced by wheat-based chapatis.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

== Architecture ==
{{Main|Architecture of Maharashtra}}

==Fairs and festivals==
[[File:Gudi padva festival.png|thumb|[[Gudi Padwa|Gudhi Padwa]] is one of the most important festival of Maharashtra|left]]
[[File:Rajgad - Diwali Killa 23.jpg|thumb|A Killa (fort) built by kids on the occasion of Diwali as a tribute to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a long-standing tradition in Maharashtra.]]
[[Gudi Padwa|Gudhi Padwa]] is celebrated as the first day of the [[Hindus|Hindu]] year. Gudhi is symbol-characterized by bamboo stick with a coloured silk cloth and garlanded with flowers and sweet a top. [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] is the most important festival in Maharashtra. It is celebrated for ten days with huge fun fare.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Festivals of Maharashtra|url=http://www.maharashtraweb.com/lifeleis/Mahfestiv.asp|access-date=2021-07-29|website=www.maharashtraweb.com|archive-date=2021-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729160048/http://www.maharashtraweb.com/lifeleis/Mahfestiv.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>

Banganga Festival, [[Bhaubeej]], [[Elephant Festival|Elephanta Festival]], Ellora Festival, Ganga Dashahara, Jivti Puja, Kalidas Festival, Kojagiri Pournima, [[Maharashtra Day]], [[Naga Panchami]], [[Narali Pournima]], [[Pola (festival)|Pola]], [[Shiv Jayanti]] and [[Vat Purnima|Vat Pournima]] are some of the important festivals of Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maharashtra Festivals - Festivals of Maharashtra India, Popular Festivals & Fairs in Maharashtra|url=https://maharashtratourism.net/festivals/index.html|access-date=2021-07-29|website=maharashtratourism.net|archive-date=2021-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729143904/https://maharashtratourism.net/festivals/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[Diwali]], kids build a replica of a fort, known locally as 'Killa', as a tribute to Great Maratha King [[Shivaji|chatrapati Shivaji]] maharaj . They are made of mud and rocks and decked with mustard shoots, {{langr|mr|mavalas}} or toy soldiers, toy cannons and miniature animals.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2012-11-04|title=Shivaji killas express pure reverence - Times Of India|newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Shivaji-killas-express-pure-reverence/articleshow/6837729.cms|access-date=2022-01-16|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104080547/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-29/pune/28232881_1_forts-historian-ninad-bedekar-diyas|archive-date=2012-11-04}}</ref>

== Sport ==
{{Main|Sports in Maharashtra||label 1=Sports in Maharashtra}}
[[Sports]] is an important part of the [[culture]] of [[Maharashtra]]. Cricket, [[Kabaddi]], [[field hockey|hockey]], [[kho kho]], [[badminton]], and [[table tennis]] are popular sports in the state.<ref name="indfy1">{{cite web |url=http://www.indfy.com/maharashtra/sports.html |title=Sports of Maharashtra |publisher=Indfy.com |date=2011-10-04 |access-date=2013-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101011449/http://www.indfy.com/maharashtra/sports.html |archive-date=2013-11-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The wrestling championship like [[Hind Kesari]], [[Maharashtra Kesari]] are very popular in the rural regions of Maharashtra.<ref name="maharashtramaza1">{{cite web |url=http://www.maharashtramaza.info/home/culture#TOC-Sports-in-Maharashtra |title=Culture of Maharashtra - Sovereign Maharashtra |publisher=Maharashtramaza.info |access-date=2013-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020230855/http://www.maharashtramaza.info/home/culture#TOC-Sports-in-Maharashtra |archive-date=2013-10-20 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> [[Cricket]] is the most widely followed and played sport in the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coolage.in/2012/09/30/parallel-journeys-celebrating-indian-cricket-craze-top3/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131020213928/http://www.coolage.in/2012/09/30/parallel-journeys-celebrating-indian-cricket-craze-top3/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-10-20 |title='Parallel Journeys' - Celebrating Indian cricket craze - CoolAge |publisher=Coolage.in |access-date=2013-10-20 }}</ref> Maharashtra has produced many Iconic cricketers of India, such as [[Sachin Tendulkar]] and [[Sunil Gavaskar]].<ref name="maharashtramaza1"/>[[Horse riding]], [[wrestling]], [[fencing]], [[archery]], and [[shooting sports|shooting]] were popular among the former rulers of Maharashtra.<ref name="indfy1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/43414852/History-of-Maharashtra |title=History of Maharashtra |publisher=Scribd.com |date=2010-11-20 |access-date=2013-10-20 |archive-date=2011-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802235035/http://www.scribd.com/doc/43414852/History-of-Maharashtra |url-status=live }}</ref> Maharashtra has various domestic-level, franchise-based leagues for hockey, chess, tennis, and badminton. [[gilli-danda|Viti-dandu]], and marbles were traditional children's games in the past in Maharashtra.<ref>Baviskar, B. S. (2012). Pilkhod in the 1930s: A Profile. Sociological Bulletin, 61(2), 195–231. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038022920120201 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630052704/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0038022920120201 |date=2023-06-30 }}</ref> These games have been revived and organized at the district level.<ref>Playing with the Past: a Framework for Studying South Asian Board Games,
Raamesh Gowri Raghavan (2020), Playing with the Past: Proceedings of the NationalConference on Ancient and Medieval Indian Games</ref>
The Sporting activities in Maharashtra are governed by the Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services, Pune.

== Marathi Literature ==
{{Main|Marathi literature}}

== Performing arts ==

=== Music ===
{{Main|Music of Maharashtra}}
[[Lavani]], [[Powada]] and [[Tamasha]] are the most popular folk songs in Maharashtra. Bhaleri, a folk song is sung by the farmers in Maharashtra. Village women of Maharashtra sing a folk song called Owi describing husband's home. It is generally sung by women while grinding grains on jaata(जातं).Suvasinis sing folk songs at the halad ceremonies in a marriage. Palane/Angai geet is a [[lullaby]] in Maharashtra.

[[Bhajan]], [[Bharud]], [[Gondhali|Gondhal]], [[Kirtan]], Lalita, {{langr|mr|[[Abhang]]as}} and Tumbadi singing are the other forms of community entertainment based on folk songs found in Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Folk Music of Maharashtra-Bhaleri-Palane|url=https://www.maharashtratourism.net/culture-lifestyle/music/folk-music.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Maharashtratourism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027043225/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/culture-lifestyle/music/folk-music.html |archive-date=2007-10-27 }}</ref>

Vasudev is a folk artist who walks from house to house in the morning
while singing different {{langr|mr|[[Abhang]]as}} in the villages of Maharashtra and begs for food and gives blessings. The tradition of Vasudeva in Marathi culture is estimated to be around one thousand-twelve hundred years old.

===Dance===
[[File:Lavani Dancer.jpg|thumb|[[Lavani]], a traditional dance of Maharashtra]]
The folk music and dances of Maharashtra are [[Koli Dance|Koli]], [[Powada]], Banjara Holi and [[Lavani]] dance. [[Lavani]] dance form showcases many topics such as romance, tragedy, politics, society, etc. The word 'Lavani' derived from Marathi word ''Lavanya'' meaning beautiful and beauty. [[Powada]] dance form shows achievements of [[Shivaji]]. [[Koli Dance|Koli]] dance originated from [[Koli people|Fishermen community]] of Maharashtra.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}
Other dances such as lavani, tamasha, dindi and kala, dhangari gaja, lezim, and different folk dances are also performed.<ref>{{cite web|title=folk dances of Maharashtra|date=12 February 2023|url=https://www.cgpsc.info/folk-dances-of-maharashtra.html/|access-date=31 March 2022|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808230447/https://www.cgpsc.info/folk-dances-of-maharashtra.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Theatre===
{{Main|Marathi theatre}}

[[File:Marathi theatrical group, Mumbai, 1870.jpg|thumb|A Marathi theatrical group, Mumbai, 1870.]]
It was starting in the middle of the 19th century, it flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, and includes forms like [[Sangeet Natak]] (Musical drama) and [[Tamasha]] (folk dance). Today, it continues to have a marked presence in the State of [[Maharashtra]] with a loyal audience base, when most theatres in other parts of India have had a tough time facing the onslaught of cinema and television. Its repertoire ranges from humorous social plays, [[farce]]s, historical plays, musical, to experimental plays and serious drama of the 1970s onwards, by [[Vijay Tendulkar]], [[P. L. Deshpande]], [[Mahesh Elkunchwar]] and [[Satish Alekar]], which have influenced theatre throughout India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Modern Marathi theatre had milestones, limitations.. |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Modern-Marathi-theatre-had-milestones-limitations-Expert/articleshow/8753808.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507082416/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-07/pune/29628840_1_marathi-theatre-caste-politics-satish-alekar |url-status=live |archive-date=7 May 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=7 June 2011 }}</ref> In the post-[[independence of India|independence era]], [[Bengali theatre]], and Marathi theatre have been at the forefront of innovations and significant [[dramaturgy]] in [[Indian theatre]].<ref>[[#Ru|Rubin, p. 196]]</ref>

===Cinema===
{{Main|Marathi cinema}}
[[File:Raja Harishchandra.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Raja Harishchandra'']]
Marathi cinema is the oldest form of Indian cinema.<ref name="Goldsmith">{{Cite book|last1=Goldsmith|first1=Melissa U. D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_TP3DAAAQBAJ&q=Marathi%20film%20%22oldest%22&pg=PR26|title=The Encyclopedia of Musicians and Bands on Film|last2=Willson|first2=Paige A.|last3=Fonseca|first3=Anthony J.|date=2016-10-07|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-6987-3|location=Lanham, Maryland|pages=XXVI|language=en|access-date=2021-07-29|archive-date=2023-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630052708/https://books.google.com/books?id=_TP3DAAAQBAJ&q=Marathi%20film%20%22oldest%22&pg=PR26|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first Marathi movie released in India was ''Shree Pundalik'' by [[Dadasaheb Torne]] on 18 May 1912 at Coronation Cinematograph, Mumbai.<ref name="Maharashtratimes">{{cite web |last=Kadam |first=Kumar |date=24 April 2012 |url=http://author.blogs.maharashtratimes.com/kokan/entry/%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%B8-%E0%A4%B9-%E0%A4%AC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008190417/http://author.blogs.maharashtratimes.com/kokan/entry/%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%A6-%E0%A4%B8-%E0%A4%B9-%E0%A4%AC |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2013 |title=दादासाहेब तोरणेंचे विस्मरण नको!}}</ref>

[[Dadasaheb Phalke]] is known as the first pioneer and founder of cinema in pre-Independence India. He brought the revolution of moving images to India with his first indigenously made film ''[[Raja Harishchandra]]'' in 1913, which is considered by [[IFFI]] and NIFD as part of Marathi cinema as it used Marathi dialogues while shooting and had a fully Marathi crew.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20100209/1251/ten-marathi-cinema-can-surpass-hindi-cin.html |title=Marathi cinema can surpass Hindi cinema |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=2 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212155541/http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20100209/1251/ten-marathi-cinema-can-surpass-hindi-cin.html |archive-date=12 February 2010}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Sangeet Natak]]
* [[Sports in Maharashtra]]
* [[Maharashtrian cuisine]]
* [[Marathi cinema]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Culture of Maharashtra| ]]
[[Category:Maharashtra]]

IndianPedia - User contributions [en]

Culture of Maharashtra