JANUARY - MARCH
• Shree Mahalakshmi Kiranotsava - A very unique and
distinct astronomical phenomenon in which the evening
sun-rays directly enter the temple and touch the holy feet of Goddess
Mahalakshmi and then rise upwards as the sun sets,
illuminating the whole of
Goddess Mahalakshmi.
• Kolhapur Rankala Mahotsava - Rankala Festival is an event marked by stage performances by renowned artists and various
events & shows showcasing the art & talent on the lawns near
Rankala lake arranged by kolhapur municipal corporation.
• Gudi padava – On this day, Maharashtrians hang
'Gudis' outside the windows of their homes. They signify the victory of
Maratha War fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji. They are displayed
to thwart off evils. A
'gudi' is a pole on top with a kalash (brass or silver pot)
hung upside down. It is covered with colorful silk cloth and decorated
with coconuts, marigolds and mango leaves.
This day is treated as an auspicious day( Muhurat), when
people
purchase gold or any other commodity.
• Jyotiba yatra – A holy fair of lord Jyotiba on the hills near
Panhala,. Thousands of
people pay homage to the lord on the auspicious day marked by traditional ritual of
getting the “Shasan Katti” all the way from their villages and hurling of Gulal all over as a shower of blessings.
APRIL - JUNE
• Holi – Huge bonfires are sparked with logs of wood,
basketful of
cow dung cakes, ghee and honey. When the flames are burning
bright, people walk and dance around the bonfire to pray to the God of
Fire. Which is followed by
Rangpanchmi about a week in Maharashtra. It is a festival of
good harvest and fertility of land. It marks the arrival of arrival of
spring where mirth and buoyancy is evident all round.• Rangpanchmi- Better known as festival of colours, celebrated by hurling colours to one another , as a symbol of spreading unity & fraternity among all religions .
