OVERVIEW
Maharashtra is the third largest state of India with Mumbai as the capital of this state. It was ruled by Marathas and Peshwas, and their can still be felt in many cultures and rituals that are followed in the state, for many years till date. The official language of this state is Marathi but English and Hindi is also widely spoken here. The state is home to diverse cultures and people of many religions such as Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and so on.
Maharashtra is a coastal state with the Arabian Sea sleeving its western outline. It is bordered by Indian states of Gujarat in Northwest, Madhya Pradesh to North, Chhattisgarh to the East, Telangana to the Southeast, Karnataka to the South, Goa to the Southwest and union territory to the West.
Maharashtra is also known as the land of saints, revolutionaries and educationists. Covering a great portion of Deccan Plateau in the western peninsular part of India, Maharashtra is not just rich in geographical enchantments, like Sahyadris that is home to many forts of Shivaji, but also a great adventure destination. The lofty mountains in the middle are cradled by the sea on the West.
The Maharashtrian culture reflects in the cuisine. Even though they haven’t made their way to five-star restaurants yet but they are totally lip-smacking. Maharashtrian cuisine is divided into two, i.e. Konkani, and Varadi. Though they are different, the main ingredients are seafood and coconut. Another important ingredient is kokum, which a purple berry that has a sweet and sour taste. It is used in appetizer-digestive called sol kadhi, which is served chilled.
Varied customs and culture co-exist in Maharashtra. Parsis have made this state their home, along with Anglo-Indians and Christians. The original folk population consists of lohar, dhangars and kolis. Two of the well-known handicraft work of Maharashtra is Kolhapuri chappals and Paithani sarees. Navvari is the traditional wear for women, which is nine yards long, and worn on festivals and special occasions.
Maharashtra celebrates all the festivals of the Hindu Solar calendar, but Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padva are the main festivals celebrated here. Gudi Padva marks the beginning of the Maharashtrian New Year, and this day marks the beginning of the Hindu Solar year.
