Festivals form an integral part of the Maharashtrian Economy. The state remains an abode to various religious sects such as Parsis, Muslims, Christians and Hindus. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. Some of the prominent festivals include Ganesh Chaturthi, Gokulashtmi, Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Gudhi Padwa, Narali Pournima, Makar Sankrant. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as an 11 day festival by all the sects with great fervour. Temples remain a great testimony of the medieval architecture. The Ajanta and Ellora rock -cut cave temples dedicated to lord Shiva, showcases the rich heritage. The famous Shirdi Sai Baba temple at Shirdi near Nashik is a huge pilgrimage center. Various religious reformists and saints like Namdev, Tukaram, Namdev, Saibaba have strived to enrich the people with the philosophy “service to mankind is service to God”.
ART AND CRAFT:
The great rulers of the Marathas and the Mughals took pains in inspiring the artisans, to strive towards excellency in the field of arts and crafts. The textile industry stands as a great testimony of the Maharashtrian Economy. The region is renowned for its Kolhapuri chappals. The Paithani Saree: art of weaving silk which is as old as 2000 years is still sought after for its delicate and intricate work, which takes six months to one year to finish. The Sawantwadi Crafts is renowned for its lacquer- work which is either hand-painted or painted as mythological figures on the wall. The Warli tribes one of the major tribal groups contribute to the field of art as Warli paintings. These wall paintings are done by the women using rice paste as part of wedding ritual. Shawls from Mashru and Himru: famous for its intricate designs, are woven using a blend of cotton and silk. Bidri - ware is an ancient art involving pure silver-work on metals.
MUSIC AND DANCE
The people of Maharashtra take pride in their vast forms of traditional music and dance. The people celebrate every ritual with zeal coupled with music and dance, as part of their custom and tradition. The ancient forms of music were devotional as compiled by religious saints and reformists. The Maratha and Mughal rulers revived music as part of entertainment and devotion. The musical instrument Sitar originated here. Miraj town in the district of Sangli is otherwise known as the “town of music”. The various forms of folk dance comprise of lavnis, koli, povadas, bharuds. Theatre is another important form of entertainment which has grown multifold over the years. This powerful medium also enriches the people about the evils of the society through its plays, playing an educational role.
CUISINE
The Economy of the state remains incomplete without a mention about the extensive cuisine, an adorable factor of the state. The classification of cuisine is region-wise: Konkan and Varadi. The basic constituent of the dishes remain coconut which is found in abundance in the coastal region. The dishes are prepared using a wide range of spices, which is the magic of this region. The other famous dishes include Poha jalebi, Puran poli, Shrikand, Chakli and various chaat items such as Vada pav, Pav bhaji etc. The extensive use of spices in the perfect fashion makes the cuisine very appetizing.
ATTIRE
The attire of the people is simple and traditional. The women drape a nine yard saree which is known as the navwadi. Men prefer dhoti with turbans or phetas as part of their traditional attire. Jewellery for the women, comprises of pearl nose-rings and necklaces. Today the state is a leader in the fashion scenario. The younger generation prefers trendy and latest fashion wear. Fashion designing is one of the flourishing trades of the state. Worldwide recognition of India’s fashion industry is a tribute to the state. The state is the hub of the largest film industry of the country and perhaps that too contributes to its fashion industry.
