LET'S REVERE THE ANTIQUITY OF MAHARASHTRA WITH THE BLESSINGS OF LORD GANESHA

श्री वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्य कोटी समप्रभा निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्व-कार्येशु सर्वदा॥

       Shree Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samprabha

           Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarvakaryesu Sarvada||   

O Lord Ganesha of the curved trunk and massive body, the one whose splendor is equal to millions of Suns, please bless me to that I do not face any obstacles in my endeavors.  

In Hindu Mythology Lord Ganesha is the most respected god. He is also called "Vighnaharta" and is worshipped first among all the gods. Lord Ganesha has an amazing story of his existence in this earth. Ganesh Chaturthi is a famous festival which is celebrated almost everywhere. But this festival has a great significance in the heart of people from "Maharashtra".

Standing on the shore of The Arabian sea Maharashtra proudly boasts of its scenic beauty with rich diversity in wildlife, flora, and fauna, rich art, culture and heritage, festivals. Mumbai the capital city of Maharashtra is known as  "MayaNagri" or City of Dreams. This city is also called the hub for arts and entertainment.

Maharashtra is the second most populous state in India. The exquisite art and craft reflect the rich past of the state. Ths state boasts of its rich cultural heritage and legacy, be it the cave painting of Ajanta and Ellora caves, Jewellery of Kolhapur or the sarees. So, let's go and check out some amazing stuff from the city of dreams.

1. Warli Painting

Warli Painting is a tribal art form, are mural paintings with characteristic graphics. It is mainly created by the warli tribes living in mountainous and coastal regions of Maharashtra. These paintings mainly depict the social and daily life of tribal people. These paintings are made by the tribal woman on the mud walls of the houses. The elements of the paintings are basic in shapes such as circle, square, triangles to represent daily human life. The scenes represent fishing, hunting, dancing, festival, farming etc. Today warli paintings are not only done on walls but are also done in clothes, bags, book covers etc.

 ( Image Source: https://www.utsavpedia.com/page/36/)

2. Bidriware

Bidriware is a metal handicraft from Bidar. Bidar is the chief center for the manufacture of unique metalware. Bidriware is made from the amalgamation of copper and zinc. Pure silver intricate workmanship is embossed, inlaid or overlaid in the metallic surfaces. Bidriware items are famous as souvenirs, paan holders or hookah bases, plates, bangles, trays, cigarette boxes, bracelets etc. These are available in different sizes and different shapes all over the country. This handicraft takes a lot of time for preparation and skilled labor too. 

                                                              ( Image Source: https://engrave.in/blog/bidri-work)

3. Ajanta Paintings

Ajanta caves, situated near the Aurangabad city of Maharashtra, are known for their beautiful paintings across the world. The paintings are seen there have been found to belong to the fused art style of China and Japan. They were painted by Buddhist monks who used to dwell inside the caves and revolve around the Buddhist themes only. These artists have portrayed the costumes, ornaments & styles of the court life of their times.

                             ( Image Source: http://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2013/05/the-paintings-at-ajanta.html)

4. Kolhapuri Chappals

Most of us may relate the term "kolhapuri" as the traditional T strap chappals with colorful embellishments. These are hand-made leather chappals and sandals of Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. They are known for its simple styles, quality of leather and design. Multiple layers of leather are glued together at high pressure and then dried in direct sunlight to tan the leather and makes it tough. This is then shaped and carved out in chappal with colorful embellishments and designs. This footwear is not only styled in Indian attired but are also comfortable to pair with western too. 

                                             ( Image Source:http://www.metromela.com/kolhapuri-chappals-for-women)

5. Kolhapur Jewelry

Most of the Maharashtrian jewelleries are derived from the legacies of Maratha and Peshwa dynasties. Kolhapur is famous for its special type of necklace called Kolhapur saaj. This jewelry is very much special for Maharashtrian women. The different types of jewelry that are made in Kolhapur include mohanmal, putlihar, chaplahar,bormmal, har and malas are to name a few. The names come from the shapes of the jewelry.  One of the popular jewelry is Thushi which is made with closely bound golden beads.

Kolhapuri Saaj

Kolhapuri Thusi

                     ( Image Source:https://www.indiamart.com/)

                                                                      

6.Mashru and Himroo

Among the main districts of Maharashtra that are known for exquisite handicrafts is Aurangabad. The most famous crafts of the city comprise of  Mashru and Himroo crafts. These fabrics are very particular with the use of bold patterns and colors. They are made with a mix of cotton and silk and gives a feel of satin cloth. Design patterns used are shapes of hexagons, circle, octagons, ovals etc. Fruit patterns are also used which mainly are of pineapples, almonds etc. Some interlocking patterns are also followed with designs of flowers, animals, leaves are commonly used. Himroo a perfect choice for shawls, stoles, veils, bridal saris etc.   

Himroo

Mashru

7. Narayan Peth

Narayan Peth saree is very much popular in and around Sholapur district of Maharashtra. It is a traditionally Maharashtrian saree that weaves mainly in this district only.The fabric used for making this sari is silk. This saris have a zari border, usually with 'rudraksha' motifs, and are woven exquisitely. The most appealing aspect of a Narayan Peth sari is its borders which contrasts with the color of the rest of the sari.

 (Image source: http://www.pictame.com/tag/Narayanpeth)

8. Paithani saree

Paithani saree took its name from a place called Paithan. These are considered to be one of the richest saris in the state. The art of making these sarees goes back to more than 2000 years ago. This saree is made of silk with an ornamented zari pallu and border. Most of the designs of Paithani sarees are influenced by the patterns of Buddhist paintings that are found in Ajanta caves. In olden times, the zari was made using gold and silk threads. The common design patterns used in the body of the sari are of lotus,  swans, flowering vines, peacock, circles, leaves, etc. The common designs for the pallus include parrots, panja,barwa, etc. The basic colors used are red, black, white, yellow, lavender, green, pink, purple etc.

(Image Source: https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/maharani-paithani-saree)

                         

The expertise of the artisans of Maharashtra can be seen in the fine art and craft finishes. The fine fabrics of mashru and himroo are the clear examples of their highest level of weaving art.

So, if you want to know about the historical legacy of the sate, start by exploring its arts and crafts from gorgeous fabrics and saris to the world-famous mural paintings of Warli and Kolhapur's leather ware and stunning jewelry, the one shopping will be spoilt for choice.

Not only in the field of handicraft, Maharashtra is also famous for Shirdi, Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Mosque, Marine Drive, Historical forts and what not!!

So, book the tickets and explore the richness of the state in your own vision and enjoy the heritage of the place!!

Lastly but not the least let's cherish the artifacts of Maharashtra with Lord Ganesha's blessings!!

"GANAPATI BAPPA MORYA"