Hailing
from a small town down south, surviving the #10YearChallenge in a city
like Mumbai is a real one. But the city embraces you and nourishes you
irrespective of who you are.
In addition to the cosmopolitan outlook, the
Maharashtrian culture is so vibrant in this metropolis. I have experienced and
loved it in Mumbai and enjoyed it in other parts of the state as well.
In
a country diverse like India, the life style and culture of every state or the
people is unique. The three major distinguishing features of their culture are
the Food habits, their Gods & beliefs and Heroes & role models.
Starting
with the God, Ganapati or Bappa as he is fondly called in this
part of the country is considered the presiding deity of Maharashtra. He is our
friend, guide and philosopher! Wherever there is a Maharashtrian, in any corner of the
world, there will be a Ganapati. Such is the devotion and love for Him.
During the annual 10-day long Ganapati festival,
we bring Bappa home, feed him our staple food, sing and dance with him
make him a member of the family and one day immerse him in the sea with all
respect and reverence. While it rains during the procession, we happily get wet
but hold the umbrella over Bappa.
Oh
Food! No doubt food is an integral part
the cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Forget the Rotis, Parathas
and Kulchas and just indulge on the variety of Polis and Bakris.
It is rare to find a restaurant in Mumbai that serves pure Maharashtrian food
as neither the eatery nor we can survive without the Pizzas, Pastas, Burgers and
Manchurians.
Travels and sojourns across Maharashtra, I have cherished the
delicious food so unique in different parts of the state the Gharguti Jevan
or homely food. If the Konkan or Malwani recipes are rich in
coconut and kokum, the major ingredients of Marathwada region are peanuts and
spices.
The chutneys and Amtis, Pithla Bhakri, the Vangyacha
Bharit, the Aloo or Kothmir vadis, Khaprachi Puran Poli
are some cuisines which you just can’t resist. The Misal pav and Vada pav are a must
eat recipe when you are here.
Oh
Poha! fondly called Pohe in different varieties is an all-time favourite
that generates an instant awe on the face of every Maharashtrian.
He
is our Super Hero! We have innumerable edifices named after him that include airports
and railway stations. Travelling across the state, I have always admired and
adored the 17th century warrior king of the Maratha clan Shivaji Maharaj.
There
is no end to his stories and he has inspired the people and remained a super
hero generation after generations. Shivaji is known for his governance,
military tactics, kindness and respect for women. It is said that at one point
in time he had control over 360 forts.
While you criss-cross the state, look
for the names ending with “Gad”or “Durg” and you will find a fort. Rajgad,
Pratapgad, Lohgad, Sinhagad, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Shivneri … just to name a
few.
Why
do we need a GPS to navigate when we have Ganapati, Poha & Sivaji?
