Maharashtra is the third largest state of India with Mumbai being the capital of this state. It was ruled by Marathas and Peshwas, and their presence is still evident in many cultural and rituals that are followed in the state, since many years. The official language of this state is Marathi but English and Hindi are also spoken here. The state is a home to diverse cultures and people of many religions such as Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, etc.
Maharashtra is a coastal state with Arabian Sea covering its western outline. It is surrounded 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, revolutionists and educationists. Covering substantial portion of Deccan Plateau in western peninsular part of India, Maharashtra is rich in geographical enchantments, like Sahyadris that is home to many forts of Shivaji and currently an adventure destination. The lofty mountains in the middle are cradled by 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 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 orininal 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.