festivals

Kolhapur’s population consists of a majority of Maharashtrians and Hindus. So, most Hindu festivals and few others are celebrated grandly in this city. These include:

• Maha Shivratri – People worship Lord Shiva and fast for long hours
• Makar Sankranti – An auspicious harvest festival celebrated in the month of January
• Gudi padwa – Marathi New Year Day (celebrated all over Maharashtra state)
• Navrathri & Dussehra – A 10-day festival, where Goddess Durga is revered
• Ganesh Chaturthi – A major festival in the state of Maharashtra, this is celebrated in all cites and town in this state, to worship Lord Ganesha (who is also the son of Lord Shiva)
• Rankala Mahotsav – This is a 5-day fair and festival that is exclusive to Kolhapur; also known as Kolhapur Rankala Mahotsav; during this festival there is an extravagant display of Kolhapuri culture and traditions