festivals

Also known as Amba Nagari and the ‘Land of Immortals’, Amravati is a place of great religious importance and is thus aptly described as the Cultural Capital of Vidarbha. Located in the state of Maharashtra, Amravati celebrates many religious and cultural events and is called as the city of Lord Indra with numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Ambadevi. Although known for its cultural significance, Amravati attracts thousands of visitors in its land for the grand ways it celebrates its festivals and the delicious Varhadi cuisine it offers.

Being the second most populated city in Vidabha district after Nagpur, Amravati is located at a height of 1125 feet above sea level amidst the picturesque environment and the lush greenery of the Vidarbha region. With its rich fertile land, agriculture and related activities form the basic source of income for the local people here, which also makes the region a breathtaking scene to behold. One of the major attractions of Amravati is the Ambadevi temple located at the heart of the city that is known for the infamous connected tunnel through which Lord Krishna had eloped with princess Rukmini on the eve of her wedding. Other famous attractions here include Shri Ekvira Devi Temple, Kartik Poornima Mela, Kaundinyapur, etc., which allows visitors to immerse themselves into the authentic culture of Amravati and get lost in its aura.

Some of the most common festivals celebrated here include:

Ganesh Chaturthi:

A famous and significant festival of Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated during the month of August-September with Lord Ganesh being revered for 11 days and then immersed in water after 11 days. People dance, sing, play with gulal, and make special food items to celebrate this auspicious day.

Navaratri and Dussehra:

Navratri is celebrated for nine days and is one of the most popular festivals enjoyed here. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Navratri is celebrated by organizing cultural events where people perform Garba and Dandiya and on the tenth day Dussehra is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and joy.

Diwali:

The festival of lights which brings with it the message of the win of good over evil, Diwali is one of the major festivals of not only Amravati but of several states in India. People of Amravati also celebrate Diwali with immense glee and joy and the whole city is a sight to behold with houses glittering with lights and diyas and the sky illuminated with firecrackers.

Janmashtami:

Janmashtami is the festival celebrating Lord Krishna and Amravati is an ideal place to enjoy this festival to its fullest. Dahi Handi event is organized every year in the region and is celebrated with vigor and festive spirit where people huddle in large numbers to witness the Dahi Handi celebration with their own eyes.

Holi:

The festival of colors is celebrated with overjoyed feeling in Amravati amongst people. The regional government also organized events and pandals where anyone can come and play Holi and Holika Dahan is performed a day prior.

Makar Sankranti:

Marks the new year in the Hindu calendar and the starting of spring season, Makar Sankranti is one of the other major festivals celebrated in Amravati which brings with it a new level of happiness. Prayer to the Sun God takes place after taking a purification bath in the river or home. Families prepare and exchange sweets like halwa and some important seeds which are considered religious. Married women gather together during the day wearing black clothes and exchange clothes, utensils, and other gifts, which is called as Haldi Kunku.