Maharashtra
Songs, Dances, Festivals and Food!!!
Religious diversity and Festivals
Some of India's greatest movements, religious, reformist and ecumenial, were born here. Ranging from SriChakradhar and his Mahanubhavs, Sri Jnanadev, Sri Tukaram, and their Warkaris, Samartha Ramdas, Mahatma Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Baba Amte, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and a host of philosophers, reformists, and writers have immensely enriched the life in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra festivals, are a tribute to its rich culture and legacy. Ganesh Festival, Gokul Ashtami, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Padwa etc. provide a common platform for people from all walks of life to interact with one another.
Dance and Music
Maharashtra has been equally well known for its music. Its vibrant folk forms like lavnis, povadas, gondnals and bharuds are a true reflection of the society. Besides India's greatest treasure on classical music of medieval times the "Sangitratnakara" was written by Sharang Dev in the 13th century. Many of India's greatest stalwarts of music reside and perform here like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Lata Mangeshkar, Bal Gandharva, Kishori Amonkar etc. Maharashtra also has a flourishing theatre tradition. Two of the most well-known handicrafts of Maharashtra are Kolhapuri Chappals and the Paithani Sari; its silk bordered with opulent zari.
Food
Maharashtrian (or Marathi) cuisine is cuisine of the Marathi people, those from the state of Maharashtra in India. Maharashtrian cuisine covers a range from being mild to very spicy dishes. Wheat, rice, jowar, bajri, vegetables, lentils and fruit form important components of Maharashtrian diet. Popular dishes include wada-pav, ukdiche Modak, and batata wada.