Maharashtra
is one of the geographically most diverse states in India and this
diversity is the best reflected in its people and culture. The people of
the state are an amalgamation of different cultures, traditions,
religions, etc. You will find Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhist,
Zoroastrians, Christians and Sikhs, co-existing peacefully in the state.
Just like the rest of India, the people of Maharashtra are also very
hospitable and believe in the adage 'Atithi Devo Bhava'.Though one can find a pronounced Hindu flavor in the culture of Maharashtra, the state has always managed to maintain a secular nature. If there are numerous temples in the state, there are also a number of Jewish synagogues n Mumbai, Pune, Alibag, Pen, Thane and Revdanda. One can see a large number of mosques, churches and even Zoroastrian fire temples here, all adding to the multi-cultural identity of the state.
Tribal People of Maharashtra
The Deccan plateau of Maharashtra comprises primarily of the tribal groups, with the main ones being Bhils, Mahadeo Kolis, Gonds and Warlis. As you move towards the northwestern coast of the state, you will find the Warlis leading simple lives and worshipping Mother Nature. The people belonging to Warli tribe believe that the destructions and death faced by human beings is because of the disrespect they have shown to Mother Earth.
They worship the Goddess of Creative Energy, the Corn Goddess and the Goddess of Trees and Plants, to appease the Mother Nature. This tribe basically belongs to the foothills of the Sahyadris. They are found inhabiting the Thane district and can be seen living in a small cluster of huts known as padas. They are basically houses that have a single door and no windows. Even the tribal community of Gonds has a noticeable presence in Maharashtra.
They are found to be spread in the forested areas of the state, along with those in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. These people speak the Dravidian language of Gondi and have very typical customs. However, one can see the youth of the community acquiring the dominant language of their regions. Still, the tribal people have managed to retain their native lifestyle and do not seem to have been much influenced by the vagaries of time.
