Maharashtra is a prospering Indian state having amazing cultural diversity, which can be traced back to the ancient times. It has seen many power struggles in the past to control its various strategic regions. The people who made Maharashtra their home over these periods of upheavals offered this state something of their own, and this became a reason for its cultural richness.

The fairs and festivals in this state also cherish different traditions from several communities. In fact, many people go there to get an idea of the life of Maharashtra's local population and their cultural backgrounds. All the festivals of this state are an expression of its way of life, and its people, who never lose a chance to have loads of fun. From the exhilarating Ganesh Chaturthi festival to the Pole Harvesting Festival, the grandeur of carnivals and festivities on these occasions leave the tourists in awe. Many people visit this state for the sole purpose of enjoying these fairs and festivals.

While visiting this incredible region, tourists would have to plan their tour keeping in mind the dates of popular fairs and festivals of this region. Maharashtrians are lively folks, who think of life as a grand celebration. Their love for festivities can be witnessed during the celebrations of different festivals. Just like these festivals, there are many fairs held at different places of Maharashtra. Some of the significant fairs of Maharashtra are Changdeo fair at the Markandeya Shrine near Edlabad, Kiran Utsav at Mahalaxmi Shrine in Kolhapur, Rathyatra at Kalaram Sanctuary in Nasik, the Shrirama Rathotsava fair and the Navaratra Mahalaxmi fair in Jalgaon.

Elephanta festival organized by the tourism department is one of the most prominently celebrated tourist festivals in Mumbai. This renowned festival is held on Elephanta Island, where  Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located. This island easily accessible from Mumbai harbor is connected with regular boat services. The island got its name from a carved elephant found on this lovely island. This festival held annually in the month of February, offer excellent treats of music and dance performances. Around this time of the year, Elephanta Island gets transformed into a huge auditorium, set against the backdrop of giant pillars and sculpted panels. The event introduces tourists to various types of Indian classical music and dance forms. This week-long extravaganza invites performers from different parts of India to showcase their unique dance forms. It is also a bonanza of folk dances, live music, plays, instrumental as well as vocal recitals, and skits. People arriving at the Gateway of India to proceed to this festival at Elephanta Caves are welcomed with Shehnai, the Indian classical instrument played during this festive occasion.

Thane district in Maharashtra is also a vibrant region, which celebrates different events and occasions throughout the year. Many of the popular hotels and resorts in Thane are the venues, where some of the public celebrations like Diwali and Holi are held with great zest and fervour. They also provide comfortable accommodations in the form of well-furnished rooms and suites.