Maharashtra is the third largest state and second most populous state. This state is brimming with an array of hotspots colourful shrines, a remarkable co. section of caves, golden beaches lined with swaying palm trees, historic with strong past connection and emerald hill stations under the canopy of lush of western Ghats. Maharashtra is known to be a good place for a holiday. This state is known for its famous ancient Ellora and Ajanta caves.
Maharashtra is a paradisiacal paradox-subtle yet energetic, wild but manicured and hushes yet fuelled by rapid urbanization. Maharashtra is a winner in the category of tourism too. There are some holiday destinations that are for the nature lovers and also for the religiously inclined travellers. For a vacation in Maharashtra there is abundance natural beauty to soothe the senses, beaches that are the best places to unwind, exceptional shrines that the epitome of architectural excellence and rich flora and fauna that make its biodiversity hotspot.
Hotel booking is something not to be worried about while your holiday in Maharashtra. Over the time almost every region in Maharashtra has developed significantly and thus the network of hospitality has also expanded. Even if the luxury hotels and resorts cannot still be found in some place. A number of budget hotels as well as the concept of homestay has flourished in such regions.
We should not forget there are many festivals celebrated all over different states in India. Each state in India has its own culture, traditions and festivals. Maharashtra is no exception. Although most of the national festivals are celebrated with a great pomp and show, there are some festivals which are unique in this state.
NAG PANCHAMI: this festival is celebrated in the honour of the snake God Shisha Nag on the fifth day of the holy month of Shravan. Snake worship is an important ritual in India and on thus festival cobras made of clay are venerated in homes. They dance and sing songs in the streets. People pay respect by visiting the Nag temples and also Shiva temples, since the Nag is very closely associated with Lord Shiva.
GUDHI PADWA: A new beginning of the year and also consider it to be one of the most auspicious days. It falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, marking the New Year. Gudhi is a symbol of victory, characterised by a bamboo stick with silk cloth. It is garland with flower and has sweets offered to it and Celebrated with great pomp and show. Houses are decorated with garlands and rangolis and a GUdhi is put up outside the home to welcome prosperity and good health into the family. This day is one of the saade teen mahurtas and any new venture started on this day is believed to bring success and prosperity. Therefor people consider this occasion very auspicious for purchasing or moving into a new home, purchasing cars and starting a new business etc.
DIWALI: This festival is known as the festivals of lights. Fireworks, small clay lamps and candles are lit. For most of the Indian families Diwali is the biggest and the most anticipated festival of the year. People exchange sweets with one another.
NARALI PURNIMA: Naral means coconut and Purnima is the full moon day when offerings of coconut are made to the sea god on this day. Narali Purnima marks the end of the monsoon and beginning of the new fishing seasons.
GANESH CHATURTHI: the Ganesh idols are worshipped and many cultural events are organised. People prepare sweets to offer to the god during the 10 days celebration. On the 11th day comes the time to bid farewell to Ganesh. People take the idol in procession with accompaniment of music and dance for immersion in the sea or nearby river or lake.
GOKUL ASHTAMI: it is the birth of Lord Krishna. In honour of lord Krishna rituals performed in this day is the dahi handi. Curds are filled in the Clay pots along with puffed rice and milk are strung high up above the streets. Groups of youngster’s form the human pyramids go reach up to these and break them open,
Bhau beej is celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali. The sister performs an arti of the brother and seeks his protection. The brother gives his blessing and vows to always protect her. Gifts are exchanged and celebration all around.
Makar Sankranti: is the celebration of the winter solstice. It is the celebration of the advent of spring. Til gul ghya ani god bola”, meaning accept this til-gul and speak sweetly.it is a day where everyone forgets old hostiles and differences and move forward with mutual love and respect.
Definitely do visit Maharashtra to witness the dazzling range of experience, beautiful landscape and years of history. In a nut shell Maharashtra is untouched, intriguing, captivating and picture as perfect.
