Maharashtra celebrates many important festivals that showcase its diverse culture and traditions. Some of the major festivals include Banganga Festival, a musical tribute to Lord Ram held in Mumbai; Bhaubeej, a brother-sister celebration where sisters pray for the welfare of their brothers; Elephanta Festival, featuring performances on the islands outside the famous Elephanta caves; and Ganesh Chaturthi, the most important festival where Lord Ganesh idols are worshipped for 10 days before being immersed in water.

1. SOCIAL SCIENCE ART INTEGRATED PROJECT
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS
OF
MAHARASHTRA

2. INTRODUCTION
O As Maharashtra is a big state, it is home to many religions.
O The state also nurtures different traditions with diverse communities.
O Maharashtrians are fun loving people, so that might be another reason why
the state has lots of different festivals.

3. BANGANGA FESTIVAL
O Banganga Festival held every year in the city of Mumbai is a musical tribute
to Lord Ram.
O The aim behind the celebration of this musical carnival is to protect the
existing rich heritage.
O The major attraction is ringing bells of temple along with praising songs for
God.
O The main organizer Indian Heritage Society Mumbai and MTDC want to
foster the thought of protection of heritage among people.

4. BHAUBEEJ
O Bhaubeej is brother-sister occasion celebrated on the fifth day of Deewali.
Basundi poori or shrikhand poori are prepared for this occasion.
O Brothers are regarded as the protectors of the sisters in Hindu religion. Sisters
invite their brothers for a meal on Bhaubeej in Maharashtra.
O The sisters perform aarti and pray to the Lord for the welfare of their
brothers.

5. ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL
O It is organised in the month of February.
O Renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves of Elephanta
under the starry sky in front of the selected and appreciative audience.
O A boat ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to the Elephanta Islands is
also included as a part of the festival.

6. GANESH CHATURTHI
O Lord Ganesh is the most respected God in Maharashtra, so as the Ganesh
Chaturthi, most important festival.
O People buy Ganesh images to keep in their houses as a divine guest for five to
ten days.
O The image is then taken out ceremoniously and immerse to the river, sea or
well. It is called Visarjan.
O Modak is special cuisine for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Aarti is
performed morning and evening
O Huge Ganesh idols are worshipped at nicely decorated pandals, also known as
Dekhavas for 8 to 10 days. These Dekhavas are organized by the Mandals,

7. JIVITI PUJA
O Married Maharashtrian women perform Jivti Puja on any one of the Fridays in
the month of Shravan (July-August).
O Jivti is an incarnation of Parvati, a goddess who is believed to protect children.
O Female members from the parental Maharashtrian women invite them for lunch
at home.
O It is a tradition that married Maharashtrian women personally apply haldi at the
base and kumkum in the centre of the forehead of other women on every
auspicious occasion.

8. KALIDAS FESTIVAL
O Kalidas Festival is organised in the honour of the great poet Kalidas.
O This festival is held at Ramtek, Nagpur in the month of November for two
days. Ramgiri, or Ramtek is the place that inspired Kalidas, and the beauty of
this place is mentioned predominantly in his literary work.
O The festival brings back memories of the golden period of the Vidarbha
region.