The Most Popular Festival in Maharashtra, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the festival you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:38
Festivals hold a mirror to a society's culture, encapsulating traditions, history, and the zeitgeist of an era. In Maharashtra, where the festival landscape is bustling with diversity, understanding which festival strikes a chord with the masses can offer insights into the cultural priorities and joys of the local populace. Being able to rank these celebrations helps both residents and visitors alike decide where to direct their attention during festival seasons.
The beauty of an interactive voting system is that it grants everyone a say in shaping the outcome, reflecting collective preferences in real-time. As votes pour in, the emerging list not only guides newcomers but also seasons locals with information on current trends. This dynamic ranking paints a timely picture of the state's festive heartthrob, encouraging a broader participation and deeper appreciation of Maharashtra's cultural tapestry.
What Is the Most Popular Festival in Maharashtra?
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135votesIt is the most popular and widely celebrated festival in Maharashtra. It is a ten-day long festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha. People across Maharashtra decorate their homes and bring home idols of Lord Ganesha, perform puja, and offer sweets and other delicacies.Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity and the remover of obstacles. The festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha and is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion.
- Significance: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha
- Duration: Varies from 1 day to 10 days
- Observance: Worship, processions, and immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies
- Regional variations: Celebrated with unique local customs and traditions in various parts of India
- Decoration: Elaborate pandals (temporary structures), colorful decorations, and Ganesha idols
Ganesh Chaturthi in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular festival in India
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222votesAlso known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a major festival celebrated in Maharashtra. It is a five-day long festival that marks the victory of good over evil. People light diyas and decorate their homes with colorful rangolis.Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most awaited and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is celebrated by people of various religious backgrounds, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists.
- Duration: 5 days
- Date: Varies every year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in October or November
- Meaning: Victory of light over darkness and good over evil
- Lamps and Lights: Decorating homes and public spaces with lamps and lights
- Fireworks: Bursting of fireworks and crackers
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314votesHoli is a popular festival of colors that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra. People play with colors, dance to music, and savor traditional sweets and snacks.Holi is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated in India, also known as the Festival of Colors. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The festival is characterized by people smearing colored powders, known as 'gulal,' on each other's faces, and throwing water-filled balloons and water guns. Traditional music, dance, and delicious food are also an integral part of the celebration.
- Date: Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalgun, usually falling in February or March.
- Duration: The festival typically lasts for two days.
- Religious Significance: Holi is associated with several Hindu mythological stories, including the legend of Lord Krishna playing Holi with Radha and other Gopis.
- Symbolism: The vibrant colors symbolize the arrival of spring and the blossoming of love and happiness.
- Customs: People visit friends and family, exchange sweets, dance to traditional music, and engage in playful color fights.
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417votesNavratri is a nine-day long festival celebrated in honor of the Hindu goddess Durga. People across Maharashtra observe fasts, perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, and offer prayers to the goddess.Navratri, also known as Nava Durga Puja, is a nine-night Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India. The word 'Navratri' literally means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit. It is dedicated to the worship of the deity Goddess Durga, who is believed to have nine different forms, representing different aspects of femininity, power, and divinity. The festival is filled with vibrant colors, music, dance, fasting, and religious ceremonies.
- Golu Dolls: In South India, people set up 'Golu' displays, which consist of arranging dolls and figurines depicting various deities and mythological characters.
- Duration: Navratri is celebrated for nine consecutive nights and ten days.
- Date: Navratri usually falls in the months of September or October, according to the Hindu calendar.
- Significance: Navratri is considered a time for self-reflection, spiritual purification, and seeking blessings from Goddess Durga.
- Worship: During Navratri, devotees perform religious rituals, offer prayers, and engage in fasting. Traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas are also performed.
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516votesGudi Padwa marks the beginning of the New Year for Maharashtrians. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month and signifies new beginnings and prosperity. People hoist a Gudi (a flag-like structure) outside their homes and prepare traditional delicacies.Gudi Padwa is the most popular festival celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, India. It marks the beginning of the traditional Hindu New Year according to the lunisolar calendar. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm and is associated with various customs and rituals.
- Significance: New Year, harvest, and the victory of good over evil
- Date: Usually falls in March or April
- Preparations: Cleaning and decorating houses, making colorful rangoli designs, and putting up Gudi flag
- Gudi: A pole made of bamboo or wood, adorned with a bright green or yellow cloth, neem leaves, and a copper or silver pot
- Rituals: Installing Gudi, worshiping Lord Brahma, consuming neem leaves, and visiting family and friends
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69votesMakar Sankranti is a harvest festival that is celebrated in Maharashtra with great fervor. People fly kites, prepare traditional sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery, and offer prayers to the Sun god.Makar Sankranti is a popular festival celebrated in the state of Maharashtra, India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi) and is observed on January 14th each year. The festival is also known as 'Sankranti' or 'Sankranthi' in other parts of India.
- Date: January 14th
- Significance: Transition of the sun into Capricorn zodiac sign
- Alternate Names: Sankranti, Sankranthi
- Location: Maharashtra, India
- Religion: Hinduism
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712votesEid-ul-Fitr is a major festival celebrated by the Muslim community in Maharashtra. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasts, prayers, and gift-giving.Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as 'Festival of Breaking the Fast', is the most popular festival in Bangladesh. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Muslims celebrate this joyous occasion with great enthusiasm and devotion.
- Date: The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the new moon, following the lunar Islamic calendar.
- Duration: Eid-ul-Fitr spans over three days, although the festivities often extend beyond this period.
- Prayer: Muslims gather at mosques and open spaces for a special prayer called 'Eid prayer', which is performed in large congregations.
- Feasting: A grand feast is prepared, and families come together to enjoy delicious traditional dishes, sweets, and desserts.
- New Clothes: It is customary for Muslims, especially children, to wear new clothes on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
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88votesChristmas is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Maharashtra. People decorate their homes with Christmas trees and lights, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional Christmas delicacies.Christmas is a widely celebrated festival in Italy, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a significant cultural and religious event observed by both Christians and non-Christians across the country. The holiday is marked by various traditions, customs, and festivities that bring families and communities together to share joy and goodwill.
- Date: December 25th
- Religious Significance: Birth of Jesus Christ
- Decorations: Christmas tree, nativity scene, lights, ornaments
- Traditional Food: Panettone, Pandoro, roasted meats, pasta, seafood, torrone
- Gift Exchange: Exchanging gifts on December 25th or Epiphany (January 6th)
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94votesJanmashtami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. People fast, offer prayers, and perform traditional dances like Raas Leela to commemorate the occasion.Janmashtami is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival holds significant cultural and religious significance among Hindus across the country. The festivities take place over two days, with the main celebrations occurring at midnight, believed to be the time of Lord Krishna's birth.
- Date: Janmashtami typically falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls between August and September in the Gregorian calendar.
- Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on Janmashtami, which involves abstaining from grains and consuming only vegetarian food and dairy products.
- Prayer and Chanting: Temples are beautifully decorated, and devotees gather to offer their prayers and sing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Rasleela: One of the highlights of Janmashtami is the enactment of the 'Rasleela,' which is a reenactment of Lord Krishna's playful interactions with the gopis (cowherd girls) in Vrindavan.
- Dahi Handi: A popular custom during Janmashtami is the 'Dahi Handi' ceremony, where a clay pot filled with curd is hung high above the ground, and participants form human pyramids to reach and break the pot.
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106votes
Buddha Purnima
Gautama BuddhaBuddha Purnima is a festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. People across Maharashtra offer prayers, meditate, and participate in cultural events to honor the life and teachings of Buddha.Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is the most popular festival in Bangladesh that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Buddhists across the country.- Date of Celebration: The festival falls on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha (April/May).
- Religious Significance: Buddha Purnima is a time for followers of Buddhism to reflect on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, practice meditation, and engage in acts of kindness and generosity.
- Rituals and Customs: Devotees visit Buddhist temples, offer prayers, light oil lamps, and partake in processions. They also listen to sermons and chant religious verses.
- Decorations: Buddhist monasteries and temples are adorned with vibrant decorations, including colorful flags, flowers, and Buddhist symbols.
- Observance of Sil: Many Buddhists observe the Eight Precepts, which include abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, intoxication, eating after noon, using luxurious beds, and adorning the body with ornaments.
Buddha Purnima in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular festival in Bangladesh
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular festival
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Cultural significanceThe festival's importance in the cultural landscape of Maharashtra is another key aspect to consider. Festivals that have a long history and deep-rooted traditions are likely to be more popular.
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Frequency and durationThe frequency at which the festival is held (e.g., annual, biennial, or more sporadically) and its duration (e.g., one day, several days, or weeks) can impact its popularity.
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Media coverageThe extent of media coverage of the festival, including television broadcasts, radio, print, and online journalism, indicates its influence and prominence in the eyes of the public.
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Financial impactFestivals that generate significant revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and other income streams may be considered more popular and successful.
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Social media presenceA strong social media presence and engagement can highlight a festival's popularity. The number of followers, likes, shares, and comments on various social media platforms can indicate the general interest in the event.
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Tourist appealFestivals that attract a large number of tourists from outside the region or country can be considered more popular, as they contribute to the local economy and enhance the region's appeal as a tourist destination.
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Quality of performances and eventsThe quality and variety of performances, events, and attractions at a festival play a significant role in its popularity. High-profile performers, unique events, and innovative experiences can help attract more attendees and generate positive buzz around the event.
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Audience satisfactionUltimately, a festival's popularity depends on the satisfaction of its attendees. Festivals that leave a lasting positive impression and create a sense of community and excitement are more likely to be well-regarded and successful in the long run.
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Local support and involvementFestivals that receive substantial support and involvement from local communities, government agencies, and businesses are likely to be more popular and have a positive impact on the region.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular festival in Maharashtra. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Festival is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1463 views
- 140 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Festival once every 24 hours. The rank of each Festival is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular festival in maharashtra
Maharashtra is a region in India that is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. The state is home to many festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. One of the most popular festivals in Maharashtra is Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated in honor of Lord Ganesha. During this festival, people bring home idols of Lord Ganesha and worship them for 10 days. The festival culminates in a grand procession where the idols are taken to be immersed in water bodies. Other popular festivals in Maharashtra include Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Gudi Padwa. These festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show, and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the state. Maharashtra's festivals are a true representation of the state's diversity and cultural richness.
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