Maharashtra, being a part of India, boasts of a rich
cultural heritage. The culture and legacy of the state is truly
reflected though it's numerous forts, palaces, caves, shrines and
museum, not to mention its folk music and traditional dances. The saints
and philosophers who have graced this great land have also added to its
historical inheritance. Maharashtra is like an amalgamation - of
different races, of different traditions and of classes. Here, Ganesh
Chaturthi is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Diwali and Holi. This
section has been provided to acquaint you with the culture of
Maharashtra, comprising of its people, its religions, its languages, and
the like.
Dances
It is said that dance is one of the best mediums through which you can
express yourself. So, what better way to know about the culture of the
state than through exploring its various dance forms. The people of
Maharashtra celebrate a large number of fairs and festivals.
History
When we take a look down history, we get to know that the area where
Maharashtra stands today has been inhibited since the Paleolithic era.
All the archaeological evidences unearthed till now, date the origin of
the area to somewhere around 3rd century BC.
People
Maharashtra is one of the geographically most diverse states in India
and this diversity is the best reflected in its people and culture. The
people of the state are an amalgamation of different cultures,
traditions, religions, etc. You will find Hindus, Muslims, Jews,
Buddhist, Zoroastrians, Christians and Sikhs, co-existing peacefully in
the state.
Religions
Maharashtra, with a population of approximately 96,752,247 inhabitants
(as per 2001 census), is the second most populous state in India. The
large number of people that reside in the state belong to numerous
religions and communities. Infact, this huge diversity is what gives
Maharashtra a multi-cultural identity.