|
|
|
|
| Home >Entertainment >Tourist Places In India >Maharashtra |
|
Maharashtra
Resource for Maharashtra. The Maharashtra listings are updating on daily basis, get the latest Maharashtra along with the latest pictures of Bollywood actesses, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi and alot of other from India, Pakistan, UK and USA. Also find detail of latest film released.
Maharashtra is one of the most wonderful states in India. Natural as well as cultural diversities have helped in the development of a unique Marathi culture. Monuments such as Ajanta and Ellora, Gateway of India and Elephanta caves and architectural structureslike Viharas and Chaityas have attracted people from all over to the state. Besides the wonderful monuments, wildlife and cultural aspects such as ifestyle, languages and cuisine make Maharashtra a great travel destination. Maharashtratourism.net is an attempt to showcase the best of tourism in the state of Maharashtra.
Capital Of Maharashtra State(Mumbai):
The city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun - this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation.
It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama.
The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy.
Some other cities are also very famous in Maharashtra state as tourist attractions and for their fairs and festivals which includes:
Nashik
Pune
Nagpur
Auranabad
Maharashtra Caves:
All over Maharashtra there are a number of places where the simple handiwork has instilled life in stone in which Ajanta and Ellora are very famous. The Hinayana and Mahayana period of the Buddhism saw the simple art of stone cutting with chisel and hammer taken to such heights that we today marvel at the artwork of Ajanta and Ellora.
Ajanta Caves:
The first and foremost amongst the heritage sites are the Ajanta Caves, located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The caves were discovered by some British officers on a hunt during the 19th century. These are twenty nine caves near the village of Ajintha, which have been carved and chiseled out of the Sahyadri hills. The Caves are just about 40 miles from the Jalgaon rail head. The airport of Aurangabad is just about 80 miles from the caves.
The Ajanta caves were created in the second century BC to about first century AD, various other scientific estimations go up to fifth century AD. Most of the 29 caves have a central square hall called Vihara, some measuring about fifty feet to the side. The sides have been adorned with chiseled figures and painting which depict the life during the times. Many of the caves are dedicated to the teachings of Buddha. The famous Jataka tales also form the basis of some of these paintings. The Caves are generally depicted to be having erotic paintings and carvings which is just but one part of the spectrum of teachings.
Ellora Caves:
The rock cut temple architecture caves located just 20 miles from Aurangabad were constructed from 5th century AD to 8th century AD. These 35 caves have been literally cut out of a vertical face of Charanandri hills. The caves depict the religious tolerance of the times with Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples constructed in close proximity. The first twelve are Buddhist; the next seventeen belong to Hindus and then the Jains. The Buddhist caves are the oldest of the 35 Ellora caves. The architecture is marvelous with cave 10 having the look and feel of wooden structure in stone and naturally the name 'Carpenter's Cave'.
Lakes in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra, the western state in the Deccan plateau, has been endowed with rich geography. The Arabian Sea hugs its western borders, lending it great beaches over 750 miles of shore line and the ghats are the lungs with verdant forests. The state does not have a developed canal irrigation system a-la Punjab but the four prominent rivers and numerous lakes all over Maharashtra had been the major water sources for the natives.
Festivals Of Maharashtra:
Maharashtra is probably the most culturally active state in the whole of India. And the credit of this goes to the people of India who are truly vibrant and lively lot. No wonder then that the festivals of Maharashtra would be occasions of magnificent and unhindered celebrations. Most part of the year, Maharashtra is immersed in the enthusiasm of festivals. Even before a festival is over, preparations for the next one are already on way; so close are all the festivals in this state. Most splendid of all religious festivals is the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated around the month of August. Apart from all the religious festivals, Maharashtra is known for many cultural festivals like Pune Festival and Elephanta cave festival where one can witness the amalgamation of music, dance and drama.
Ganesh Chaturthi:
Celebrates in the month of August-September, Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival in Maharashtra. This is a 11 day festival that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, keeps the people of Maharashtra engaged in its preparations from months before. Mumbai is the main centre where one could see the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi at its very best. Every street in the city is decorated with lights; every shop and home is cleaned and ornamented. The last day of the festival is called ''Chaturthi'. On this day, huge statues of Lord Ganesha are taken out in gala processions to the nearest river or sea and immersed. The processions are lead by dancers who dance to the beats of music and drums. Devotional songs are sung by musicians all along the way till the immersion is done. The immersion marks the end of the festival.
Holi Festival:
The festival of colors is the celebration of onset of Spring. Falling around the month of March, Holi is truly a splendid occasion. Elderly people celebrate it sedately by applying gulal on each other's face. However youngsters make full use of it by throwing colored water and water filled balloons. Holi over the years has become a safe and clean festival. The colors used now a days are all natural and completely healthy. This awareness among the people has made the festival of Holi even more special. Though this festival is celebrated throughout India in different ways, there is a different charm about the events in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai. Mumbai is home to many stars of Bollywood. And their celebrations are right in the center of all the media glare. The festival of colors is also seen as the victory of good or evil. A day prior to the Holi, there is a ritual called the burning of Holika. During this ritual, firewoods are burnt and people gather around the fire for some enjoyable moments.
Elephanta Cave Festival:
Elephanta Caves are situated some 10 km away from the coast of capital City Mumbai. Organized by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in the month of February, Elephanta cave festival celebrates the rich culture of Maharashtra with splendid dance and music performances of well known artists. The most admirable part of this event is definitely and the surroundings and the ambiance created by these surroundings. Set amidst the caves, the background of illuminated rocks is a treat to eyes. All the classical dances of India are performed here by imminent personalities. One can also get the feel of folk dances of local fishermen. Another attraction of Elephanta Cave Festival is the food that one gets to have here. The best of Maharashtrian cuisine is catered here at most reasonable prices.
Pune Festival:
Pune Festival is another cultural festival that is organized by MTDC. Celebrated in the month of August or September, Pune Festival is a complete one week festival. The festival consists of many dance as well as musical performances by famous personalities and upcoming artists. This proves to be an excellent platform for all the budding artists to showcase their talents. Apart from classical dances there are folk dance performances as well from all over the country. There also are many drama and theater performances.
Viewed : 2125 Pass on this page to your Friend Rating :  
|
|
|
| |
Send this Page to Your Friends
|
|
|
|
