Culture of Maharashtra

Maharashtra is the third largest state of India. It is known as the land of saints, educationists and revolutionists, teachers, doctors, actors, actresses, film makers notable among them being Mahadev Govind Ranade, Swatantraveer Savarkar, Savitribai Phule, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dadasaheb Phalke, Dada Kondke and many others. It has long history of Marathi saints of Varakari religious movement which includes saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Chokhamela, Eknath and Tukaram which forms the one of base of culture of Maharashtra or Marathi culture. Maharashtra is also known for its purogami culture which translates as reformist or forward culture which was started by earlier saints and led by Mahatma Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Dr.B. R. Ambedkar in modern times. Maharashtra has huge influence all over the world of 17th century King Shivaji of Maratha Empire and his concept of Hindavi Swarajya which translates self-rule of people. The state of Maharashtra spans multiple cultures which includes cultures related to Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians etc. Lord Ganesha and Lord Vitthal are the traditional deities worshipped by Hindus of Maharashtra.