Jatra (Maharashtra)

A large number of villages in the Indian state of Maharashtra hold their annual festivals (village carnivals) called Jatra or Urus during the months of January–May.[1][2] These may be in the honour of the village Hindu deity (Gram devta) or the tomb (dargah) of a local Sufi Pir.[3] In some instances the holy man in the tomb is revered under different names by Hindus and muslims respectively.[4] Apart from religious observations, celebrations may include bullock-cart racing, kabbadi, wrestling tournaments, a fair and entertainment such as a lavani/tamasha show by travelling dance troupes.[5][6][7] A number of families eat meat preparations only during this period. In some villages, women are given a break from cooking and other household chores by their menfolk.[8]

Bullock cart race at a Jatra in Manchar, Maharashtra
Kushti competition at Javla

See also

References
  1. Shri. Balasaheb Tukaram Kanase. DAIRY FARMING IN SANGLI DISTRICT : A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS. Lulu.com. p. 80. ISBN 978-1-387-39486-9.
  2. R. M. Betham (1996). Maráthas and Dekhani Musalmáns. Asian Educational Services. pp. 73–74. ISBN 978-81-206-1204-4.
  3. Feldhaus, Anne (Editor) (1998). Images of women in Maharashtrian society : [papers presented at the 4th International Conference on Maharashtra: Culture and Society held in April, 1991 at the Arizona State University]. Albany, NY: State Univ. of New York Press. p. 66. ISBN 9780791436592.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  4. J. J. Roy Burman (2002). Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities. Mittal Publications. pp. 92–93. ISBN 978-81-7099-839-6.
  5. Shodhganga. "Sangli District" (PDF). Shodhganga. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  6. "Maharashtra asks high court to reconsider ban on bullock cart races". Times of india. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  7. TALEGAON DASHASAR - The Gazetteers Department. The Gazetteers Department, Maharashtra.
  8. Betham, R. M. (1908). Maráthas and Dekhani Musalmáns. Calcutta. p. 71. ISBN 81-206-1204-3.
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