While holidays are celebrated under many different names and circumstances, their functions are essentially the same. They unite people, thus strenghtening the bonds of the family and community, providing relief from daily routine, and providing major source of recreation.
Holidays are times of joyous social activity involving a display of best in dress and cooking.
Many ancient rites have been carried over to present time and exist comfortably with contemporary rituals and secular observances. Maharashtrians have many festivals to celebrate with each having a special reason to celebrate. Please see Kalnirnay for this month's events. This marks the beginning of Hindu calendar. People erect sticks outside their house which is tied with a cloth and some sweets.