Maharashtra- a popular state in India facing the coastal region of the Arabian Sea is one of the ardent beauties to explore. With tremendous activities which can keep you engaged varies yet the marvelous history this land holds is also of great importance. In earlier posts, we have already given you plenty of ideas related to Universities which you can apply for, exciting destinations, and a plethora of things to do here when you visit.

The taste of Maharashtra still floats in the tradition and culture of the place. Yet the blend of traditional and modern lifestyle makes it a popular place in the world. Numerous people step on this land dreaming of a great life ahead. No wonder ‘The city of dreams’ itself, that is, Mumbai lies here. Mumbai is also the financial capital of India which makes this state a prestigious one in India.

Culture of Maharashtra :

Let’s dive into the Culture of Maharashtra to gain a good insight before traveling to this astounding state.

Maharashtra, the third largest and one of the historical States of India never fails to diminish the curiosity this region holds. With astonishing saints who once were a part of the strong history of the ‘Varkari Religious Movement’ namely, Eknath, Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, and Chokhamela form the foundation of the Marathi Culture. Maharashtra possessed a great impact throughout India in the 17th century, because of the renounced King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, who started a socio-political movement namely, ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ which basically translates into ‘self – rule of people’. This term was first used by him in 1645.

The mesmerizing dance forms and folk dances also contribute to the culture of Maharashtra. Graceful and rhythmic movements portrayed in dance forms like Koli, Lavni, Banjara, and Povada are well appreciated. The folk dances as well, namely Tamasha, Kala, Dhangri Gaja, and Dindi are close to the natives of this region.

The well known Maharashtrian cuisine is one of its kind. Especially the Varadi and Konkan cuisines are sure to kill your appetite. Pepper and spice are used in a different sense which is the specialty of Maharashtrian cuisine. And who doesn’t know the extremely delicious wave of Mumbai chaats?

Maharashtra has its own divisions in various regions of the State. Each flaunting its own cultural identity and significance. Such as Konkan, Khandesh, Vidarbha, and Marathwada. The differences in them are visible in their dialects of the Marathi language, ethnicity, folk songs, and food.

Maharashtra occupies multiple cultures today such as Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, and so on. The major part of Maharashtra that follows the Hindu religion worship Maruti, Lord Ganesha, Mahadeo in forms of Lord Vitthal, Kalubai Devi, Shivling, and so on.

Tradition of Maharashtra

Exploring the tradition of Maharashtra is an interesting matter of the subject.

Maharashtra is richly known for its heritage. Maharashtra is known throughout India for the Ganesha festival, numerous old temples, and great monuments. The name of the State suggests the dominant culture of the region itself. ‘Maha’ translating to ‘Great’ and ‘Rashtra’ translating to ‘Nation’. Maharashtra has a plethora of sea forts, land and hills. Since the time of King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, forts have played an important role. The majority of forts are located in the Sahyadri ranges and coastal regions of Maharashtra. Some of the ideal forts in the State include Sinhagad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Raigad, and Vijaydurg.

The traditional wear of Maharashtrians is beautiful. Males wear dhoti which is also known as dhorar, and phera. While women wear choli and nine-yard saree which is locally known as Nauvari Saadi. This clothing style is still prevailing in the rural parts of Maharashtra and also among those traditional crowds living in the city. Majorly all of them wear this traditional attire during festive seasons or occasions.

Mumbai located in Maharashtra is home to the film industry namely Bollywood, which is India’s one of the well-known cinema industries.  Mumbai has been one of India’s largest and foremost centers for culture and arts, being one of the larger unit sites of India’s theater scene from the mid of 19th and early-20th centuries.

Lifestyle of Maharashtra

Maharashtra possesses a simple and affordable lifestyle. They believe in hard work and work through it for their living. Marathas of Maharashtra don’t believe in possessing mansions and spacious palaces. The natives here know the hard life that was once part of the freedom struggle. The rustic lifestyle of the natives here in the State of Maharashtra believe in the terms of brotherhood and live as one community in the countryside, even though there are people of different religions present. The land where, revered Saints like Osho, Sai Baba, and Haji Ali once professed and preached the religion of prosperity and peace is still seen today. The dance and music here differ from locality to locality which is quite engaging. The difference of costumes is according to the generations and choices of the individual because as mentioned before, Maharashtra is a trance of traditional and modern look-outs.