Diwali Celebration In Maharashtra

Places to Celebrate Diwali in Maharashtra

Diwali in Maharashtra is a vibrant four-day festival that fills homes, streets, and markets with lights, colours, and festive cheer. The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to health, wealth, and prosperity, when people buy gold, silver, and new utensils to invite good fortune. The second day, Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, with devotees taking an early morning oil bath, offering prayers, and enjoying traditional sweets.

The third day, known as Diwali or Lakshmi Puja, is the main day of the festival, when homes are decorated with lamps and rangolis. On this day, families pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, happiness, and harmony. The festival concludes with Balipratipada, also known as Padwa, which celebrates the return of King Bali and honours marital bonds, while marking the beginning of the Marathi New Year.

During these days, Maharashtrian families light up fireworks together, share traditional sweets like chakli and karanji, and decorate their homes with lanterns, oil lights, and rangoli.

One of the prime places in Maharashtra is Mumbai, where you can witness the streets and buildings light up with lights and fireworks sparkling throughout the night. You can participate in rangoli competitions, see temples decorated with flowers and candles, and witness the illuminated Shaniwar Wada in Pune.

In Nashik, you can enjoy a quiet celebration by lighting diyas and praying along the Godavari ghats in the evening. In Aurangabad, you can see landmarks like Bibi Ka Maqbara lit up at night, with food and handicrafts sold at local fairs. You can offer prayers in the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, or combine your beachside visits with temple rituals and festive treats in Ratnagiri. So, plan your trip to explore these cities and enjoy the customs, food, and traditions that make the Diwali festival in Maharashtra an exceptional experience.

5 Days of Diwali in Maharashtra

01

Vasu Baras / Dhanteras

Vasu Baras, popularly celebrated as Dhanteras in Maharashtra, marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi to invite health, wealth, and prosperity into their homes. Families buy gold, silver, utensils, or new items as a symbol of good luck. Homes are cleaned, decorated, and diyas are arranged to welcome positivity. Preparations for the following days of Diwali begin, making it an auspicious and vibrant start to the festival.

02

Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali

Naraka Chaturdashi, known locally as Chhoti Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Early morning rituals include applying fragrant oils and taking a ceremonial bath to cleanse the body and soul. In the evening, homes are decorated with diyas, and families burst firecrackers to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The day is also a time for exchanging sweets and visiting friends and relatives, adding joy and anticipation for the main Diwali celebration.

03

Padwa / Govardhan Puja

Padwa, also celebrated as Govardhan Puja, honours the legendary tale of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. In Maharashtra, it is also a day to celebrate marital bonds and new beginnings. Married couples perform special rituals for prosperity and harmony in the household. Homes and temples are decorated, and people prepare festive foods. The day reflects gratitude, devotion, and family unity, blending religious significance with social and cultural customs unique to the region.

04

Lakshmi Pujan / Deepawali

The third day, Deepavali, is the main Diwali celebration in Maharashtra. Families perform Lakshmi Pujan to invite the goddess of wealth and prosperity into their homes. Houses are adorned with colourful rangolis, diyas, and lights, creating a mesmerising ambience. Families gather for prayers, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals together. The evening sky comes alive with fireworks, illuminating cities and towns across Maharashtra, while the spirit of devotion, joy, and togetherness reaches its peak on this day.

05

Bhai Beej / Bhai Dooj

Bhai Beej, or Bhai Dooj in Maharashtra, is the final day of Diwali and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, success, and prosperity, while brothers give gifts in return. Families come together to share meals, sweets, and joyous moments. Special rituals include applying a ceremonial tilak on the brother’s forehead. The day strengthens familial ties, highlighting love, protection, and mutual respect, and provides a heartfelt conclusion to the festive Diwali week.

06

Shirdi

Shirdi is a special place to visit for Diwali in Maharashtra because the celebrations here focus on the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba. Diwali here is all about faith and inner light, and not just the usual stories of good over evil. A famous miracle of Sai Baba that makes this place famous is the lighting of lamps with water when there was no oil, which showed the power of faith.

During Diwali, here, devotees pray, light lamps, and think about improving themselves and letting go of ego. The festival includes devotional aartis, processions, and a community meal, which makes for a spiritual experience.

07

Purushwadi

Purushwadi is one place you can visit to see how traditional village customs are followed to celebrate Diwali in Maharashtra. These customs offer you an authentic cultural experience where you can see local families light bonfires on Diwali night. You can see children go from door to door singing festive songs, and visitors can take part in making rangolis to decorate homes and public spaces.

A local ritual that is a must during the festival is to take a refreshing dip in the Mula River. Also, when the night falls, you can see millions of fireflies light up the area to create a magical atmosphere.

08

Kolhapur

Kolhapur is one city you can visit to experience the Diwali festival in Maharashtra with traditional customs and community spirit. During this time, homes are cleaned and decorated with rangolis and zendu flowers, and Deoli lamps and diyas are lit in every corner, which creates a warm atmosphere throughout the city.

You can visit local temples to offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being Also, you can engage in Diwali shopping at local markets for sweets like karanji and shankarphali, apart from clothes, and festive items like torans. Join the community celebrations and enjoy music, lights, and joyful gatherings that make Kolhapur’s Diwali special.

09

Mumbai

Mumbai is one city you can visit to see how the streets and buildings are decorated with sparkling strings and fairy lights during Diwali in Maharashtra. During this time, you can visit famous temples like Mahalaxmi Temple and Siddhivinayak Temple to offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. You can take part in creating rangolis at home, and attend events like the Diwali Mela at Zaika Oyster Banquet.

Engage in Diwali shopping at Zaveri Bazar for jewellery, Crawford Market for flowers, and Colaba Causeway for clothes and accessories. For a special kind of Diwali, you can also head to the rooftop bars and nightlife spots to appreciate a unique view of the city’s lights.

10

Nashik

Nasik is a place where you can witness unique Maharashtrian customs, if you want to witness a traditional Diwali in Maharashtra. The festivities begin here with Vasu Baras, where people wash, decorate, and worship cows by treating them as symbols of prosperity. On Narak Chaturdashi, you wake up early for an Abhyanga Snan, which is a ritual oil bath.

This bath is followed by family feasts with faral snacks like chakli, anarsa, and karanji. Homes are decorated with diyas and handmade paper lanterns called akash kandil, which were traditionally flown to invite ancestral spirits. Children build mud forts (killas) to honour Shivaji and learn regional history. Moreover, residents also perform the Lakshmi Puja by drawing symbolic footprints to welcome the goddess of wealth.

Places To Visit In Diwali In Maharashtra

11

Tips To Visit Maharashtra During Diwali

Visit Mumbai’s iconic Diwali markets like Zaveri Bazaar for jewellery, Crawford Market for decorations, and local street stalls early in the day to avoid the evening rush.
In Pune, explore Laxmi Road and Tulshibaug for traditional sweets, diyas, and festive attire while soaking in the vibrant celebrations.
Attend temple events at Siddhivinayak, Dagdusheth Ganpati, and Shree Mahalaxmi in the morning to experience rituals without overcrowding.
Use pre-booked cabs or the metro to navigate festival traffic; roads are heavily congested during Diwali evenings.
Try local Diwali sweets like karanji, puran poli, and chakli from popular shops for an authentic festive taste.
Capture the city’s lights in the evening, especially on decorated streets, markets, and homes, for memorable photos.
Follow safety rules while bursting firecrackers and supervise children closely during public celebrations.
Carry small cash for market purchases, as many local vendors may not accept digital payments.
Dress comfortably for long walks through busy markets and temple areas.
Participate in community diya-lighting events for an immersive Diwali experience in Maharashtra.

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Kothaligad

Kothaligad, also known as Peth Fort, is a captivating hill fort nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Rising to an elevation of approximately 3,100 feet (945 meters), this fort offers a thrilling trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Kothaligad is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and historic significance.The fort's unique pinnacle, resembling a needle or a cobra's hood, adds to its allure. Its strategic location served historical purposes, providing a vantage point for Maratha warriors. As trekkers ascend, they traverse through lush greenery, ancient cave structures, and rocky patches, making the journey both challenging and rewarding. The panoramic views from the summit include the Sahyadri mountain range and neighboring forts.Kothaligad stands as a testament to the region's rich history and natural beauty, attracting both history buffs and nature lovers alike, offering a memorable exploration of Maharashtra's diverse terrain.

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03 January 2021

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Excellent

We were 5 people and went on the next day of Christmas. It was the best experience so far in lake side camping. The staff namely Ramrao Rathod and Baldeo were very much helpful. He alloted our tents. Tents were clean and bedsheets and woolen blanket were provided. After checkin we had our evening snacks which was Tea and Maggi. We went back to our tents. Ramrao fired up bonfire around 7. We sat around and after an hour he brought kebab sticks for BBQ. The weather was very good. Got to see both sunset and sunrise. The food was great. Veg and Non Veg both options were provided. Lightning was dim which was just perfect. Can't get better. We danced till 12 am midnight. Went to the lake in evening. Clicked some great photos. The trip was memorable and will surely visit next year in winter season.

+24

11 November 2015

Deeptimay Jain River Rafting in Kolad With Adventure Activities

Excellent

An amazing experience. For the first time, I got the chance of river rafting and I loved it alot. Thanks you my lovely friends for insisting me to go on this trip.

+19

Mohansinh Rajput Kalsubai Trek

Excellent

"one of the best Trek celebrated Independence Day at top, enjoyed a lot by exploring new peoples, I would specially thanks the best ,caring and friendly host Atit and Smith team who assured me that I m solo traveler while coming to trek but while going I will be hand full of memories, and really the same thing happened with me and these guys kept their words . \nfinally I will conclude it was really awesome day thank you thrillophilia for making my day. "

+15

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Preeti Wankhede Pawna Lake Camping

Excellent

It was my husband bday and I wanted to give surprise to him and whole family .. As my mother in law and father in law was with me I was really scared how the place will be will they be comfortable but Mr Anirudh gave me surety that visit once and sees the experience he gave me the number of host who is really awesome she made all the arrangement I request her for decoration & cake . As soon as I reached there she welcome whole my family with warm-hearted and arrangement. Tents were neat and clean, she made my family and me so comfortable she explained about the place in detail then we went to sunset it was really beautiful and feel peace to see that, as soon as we Came back evening snacks was ready Taste was awesome and it was unlimited. Barbeque with born fire was really pleasant with cold weather .. my family really enjoyed and especially I want to thank camp manager she really made them feel comfortable and it was Home away from home.

+12

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Excellent

"Rajmachi trek was an amazing experience, of course given its beauty any nature lover would get mesmerised, BUT what matters more in such trekking experience is the trekking companions. Sagar Shinde is a great guy and true professional, he went beyond and make us have a great experience even though our trekking group reduced to just a couple of us. I am posting some pics that would be just glimpse of trek and the one with the trek guide Sagar who helped us trek such beautiful place."