Maharashtra, The Land of Many Colors

Maharashtra is located in the northern center of Indian peninsular. It is encircled by the Arabian sea in the west and by Gujarat in the north. Madhya Pradesh surrounds Maharashtra from the northern and the eastern side whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh lie to its south. Travel to this colorful land with numerous mountains, forts, beaches and caves. The state also has many temples that are sculpted into and out of basalt rock.

With diverse culture and traditions the state of Maharshtra is also keeping in pace with modernity. The state is known for its exciting festivals celebrated throughout year like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi and Gudhi Parva, etc. The government of Maharashtra also organizes many fairs and festivals to attract tourists. Some of these are Pune festival, Ellora festival, Kalidas festival and Elephanta festival. Apart from these, the state is also renowned for its white shimmering beaches which are a visitor's delight. Thus, the vibrancy and the color of this beautiful land attracts many tourists form all over the world. Definitely, a must visit land.


History

According to a 7th century inscription the state's name 'Maharashtra', was discovered. It is also mentioned in a Chinese traveler's account. The name is said to be originated from rathi, which means, "chariot driver". Once Maharashtra was full of builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a "fighting force". Junnar, thirty miles north of Pune was established as the capital in 90 A.D by king Vedishri. In the early fourteenth century the Devgiri Yadavs were defeated by the northern Muslim powers. For the next 900 years, no historical information about this region is available. After the Mughals conquered India, the first Mughal king, Babur established his capital in Delhi in the year 1526. The Mughals then started expanding their power to the southern India and further dominated India till the early eighteenth century.

Shivaji Bhosle later known as Chattrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was born in 1627 and at the age of sixteen Shivaji started his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. He was determined to free his land at the fort Torna. Later, he conquered almost the entire Deccan by the year 1680, also the year of his death. He had developed an efficient administration and a powerful army. He also infused a spirit of independence among the Marathas, with which they fought and defeated the external powers for almost 150 years. He was very much respected by the people of Maharashtra and therefore was called Chattrapati Shivaji. Shivaji's freedom struggle and achievements are considered spectacular and are respected by providing the highest place in Maratha history.


Festivals of Maharashtra

The state of Maharashtra is the hub of many religious and cultural traditions. The fairs and festivals in Maharashtrian villages are a part of life.

Each and every festival has its own significance. People decorate their houses and festivities prevail all around. Though Maharashtra celebrates many festivals, but the most popular festival is the Ganesh Chaturthi. It is famous due to the large processions and the colorful images of Lord Ganesha.

Besides, there are many festivals celebrated with as much enthusiasm and spirit. Some of the important festivals celebrated here are Gudhi Parva, Nariyal Poornima, Parsi new year, Diwali, Holi, etc. Apart from these festivals the tourism department of Maharashtra also organizes many fairs and festivals to promote travel tourism in the state. Some of these festivals are Banganga festival, Kalidas festival, Elephanta festival and Ellora festival, etc.

Each festival has its own color and cuisine. Having their own importance these festivals are a way of life in India, specially in rural India.