Maharashtra " The land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj"

 Maharashtra Maharashtra is a state situated in the Western peninsular region of India. Maharashtra is the Second most populous state of Ind...

 Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a state situated in the Western peninsular region of India. Maharashtra is the Second most populous state of India. It was formed on 1 May 1960. The capital of the state is Mumbai, also known as the business capital of India. Maharashtra is one of the most developed Indian state, the single state who contribute about the share of 15% in the country's GDP. Maharashtra holds the title of India's largest economy state with the GSDP of ₹28.78 trillion. Maharashtra ranked 15th in the Human Development index. 

Formed In -  1 May 1960.

Capitals -  Mumbai and Nagpur

Total Area - 118,809 sq meter

Language -  Marathi

Song -  Jai Jai Maharastra Maza

Bird -   Yellow-Footed Green Pegion

Flower -  Jarul

Tree -  Mango Tree

History

The history of Maharastra was first recorded in the 2nd century BC when the first Buddhist Caves were  constructed. Maharastra was first came into appearance in 7th century by a Chinese traveler, Huan Tsang. Shivaji Bhosle was the founder of the Maratha Empire who faced a long period of struggle against the Mughals. Chattrapati Shivaji was the greatest ruler of the time. He fought many Battles and holds the highest place in the Maratha History. After Shivaji, Sambhaji succeeded his father's dynasty but he is not great as his father. After Sambhaji many important rulers like Bajirao Peshwa, Nanasaheb Peshwa ruled on the throne of Maratha Empire.

After the fall of Ahmednagar Fort in 1803, the end of Indian rule and supermacy of the British in Deccan began. In 1804, British govt decided to established military rule in Deccan and the Peshwas remained  rulers for namesake.

At present, The state was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujarati linguistic area were separated with Bombay as the capital. Maharastra is known as the main channel of cultural exchange between southern to northern India.

Culture Of Maharastra

Maharastra owns the vast variety of culture as the state divided into four major regions are Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and Konkan, etc. Each region has its own cultural identity and different Marathi folk songs, food and ethnicity. Lavani is the famous folk dance of Maharastra popular at worlwide. the popular folk music of the state are Bhajan, Gondhal, Tumbadi etc. There are many communities like Waghya Murali, Potraj, Vasudev and Gondhali who keep alive their unique cultures and vibrant art. But with the modernization, the various ancient traditions are vanishing fast. At present, Mumbai is the home of Bollywood. Mumbai is the centre of art and culture,, being one of the  most  country's site theatre scene in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Popular Destinations of Maharastra

Maharastra is famous for its popular Destinations which attracts millions of tourists every year. So lets discuss about the popular destinations of Maharastra

1. Mumbai.

Mumbai is the capital and the largest city of Maharastra. Mumbai is called the Manhattan of India and is the home of the many Bollywood superstars. The city is famous gor its beautiful weather and the architecture. Every year millions of tourist visit to explore the beauty of the city. The best time recorded to visit Mumbai in between July to September. 

There are several places to explore when you visit Mumbai are:-

• Gateway of India.

• Elephanta Cave.

• Marine Drive.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahaalay.

• Siddhivinayak Temple.

• Haji Ali Shrine. 

And more... 

2. Pune.

Pune is the most famous destination of Maharashtra popularly known as the Land of Peshwas. Pune reflects both the culturally and historically the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. At present, Puna is the educational hub of the state. There are many historical places which reminds the Maratha empire like Shaniwarwada, Shivneri Fort, Sinhagad Fort. Millions of visitor came every year to explore the beauty and the ancient Marathi culture of the city. The best time to visit recorded in between May to September. 

There are several places to explore when you visit Pune are:-

•  Rajgarh Fort. 

• Aga khan Palace.

• Shaniwar Wada.

• Parvati Hills. 

• Lal Mahal.

• Shivneri Fort. 

And more... 

3. Nashik.

Nashik is situated in the North western region of Maharashtra. It is one of the most famous destination  of the state located on the banks of the Godavari River. The city famous for its mythological beliefs. Nasik host the Kumbh Mela which celebrated once in every 12 years. Huge number of tourist came to explore the ancient Hindu sacred places includes many ancient temples, museum and gardens. The best time recorded to visit Nashik in between April to July. 

There are several places to explore when you visit Nashik are:-

• Panchvati.

• Trimbakeshwar Temple.

• Kapalesvar Temple.

• Ram kund.

• Durgavati waterfall. 

And more... 

4. Matheran.

Matheran is the Hill station located in the Western Ghats on the state. It is one of the most beautiful place in Maharashtra. The city is famous for its cool climate which attracts many tourists every year. The British influenced on the architecture is well preserved by the city. The train ride to Matheran is the major attraction of the city that gibe you ample time to experience the beautiful surroundings. The city is nearby the Lonavala. The best time to visit Matheran is in between march too August. 

There are several places to explore when you visit Matheran are:-

• Echo Point.

• Lousia Point.

• Charlotte Lake.

• Alexander Point.

• One Tree Hill. 

And more...

Popular Food of Maharashtra

Maharashtra is famous for its various variety of dishes which reminds you the culture of the state. So lets discuss about the famous Food of Maharashtra. 

1. Puran Poli.

Puran Poli is one of the most famous traditional dish of Maharashtra. This dish is found in every corner of the state. Puran Poli is the type of Indian sweet flatbread made from wheat flour with stuffing chana, coconut, jaggery and nutmeg powder into the flatbread. Puran Poli is prepared especially during the festivals and other grand celebration. 

2. Misal pav.

Misal pav is the most famous Maharashtrian dish popularly known as the King of Street food of the state. It is made up of Misal, a spicy curry prepared with moth beans and Pav which as an Indian bread roll. The dish is served with different types of munchies like fatsan, sev, aloo lacha with the topping of coriander leaves, leman and with the glass of buttermilk to enhance the taste of the dish.

 3. Pav Bhaji.

Pav bhaji is one of the most famous dish of Maharashtra popularly known as the Prince of street food of the state. It is the most eating dish of the state found in every corner of the Maharashtra. Its is made of many vegetables put together and make a gravy with some traditional spices and lots of butter. Served with Pav (bun) and pickles to increase the taste of the dish. The flavor of the dish is hard to forget. It is said that Pav Bhaji is the dish Marathi people live for. 

4. Modak.

Modak is the most popular sweet of Maharashtra and the favorite dish of Lord Ganesh. The modak is made up of grated coconut mixed with jaggery then filled into an outer shell made from rice flour and maida. Modak is made during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in every part of the state. Modak is find in different flavors like chocolate, pista and kesar. 

Popular Festivals of Maharashtra

Maharashtra is famous for its festivals which is famous through out the country and filled everyone's heart with joy and happiness. So let discussed about the famous festivals of Maharashtra. 

1. Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one the most famous festival celebrated in every part of the country, conducted in the honor of lord Ganesh. This festival is celebrated with colours. The major rituals of the festival is the immersion of lord Ganesh idols in water. It is believed that with the immersion of lord Ganesh idols in water is people washing all the obstacles that they will face in their future journey. This festival brings happiness and joy in every person. The markets and the roads are decorated and the excitement of the festival is cannot define in words. 

2. Shivaji Jayanti.

Shivaji Jayanti is one of most popular festival celebrated in Maharashtra to pay tribute to the most idol ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is celebrated in the 3rd week of February, the date of the festival is depending on the star signs. The celebration start with colours and banners with the slogans, Jai Shivaji Jai Bhvani all around. The streets chanting the name of the Chhatrapati Shivaji and honoring his stories. The joy and excitement of the festival cannot be defined in words. 

3. Krishna Janmastami.

Krishna janmastami or Dahi Handi is celebrated is every part of the country especially in Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord krishna. On this day temples and shrines at homes are decorated with flowers and lights. The Dahi Handi is also the major attraction of this festival. It has become festive ritual and is celebrated mainly in the state of Gujarat and Maharashtra. On this day group of young boys and form a human pyramid and attempt to break the port filled with Dahi. This festival is very famous and filled the whole state with excitement and joy. 

4. Jivati Pooja.

Jivati Pooja is the famous festival celebrated in the state of Maharashtra. This festival is dedicated to the women folk, they celebrated the day of the Jivati Pooja in the honor of goddess Parvati for their marriage stability and for the well-being of their family. This is celebrated in the month of August where women spend the full day fasting and chanting the sacred name of goddess Parvati. 

These are the factors that shows the beauty of the state Maharashtra. In this above statements you feel the ancient value of the state. If you like and appreciate my work, Share with you friends and family.