Upcoming Events & Festivals in Aurangabad

Upcoming Events & Festivals in Aurangabad 

Aurangabad, located in the state of Maharashtra, India, is known for its historical and cultural significance. The city is a popular tourist destination and hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. In this article, we will take a look at some of the upcoming events and festivals in Aurangabad. 

Holi - Festival of Colors 

Holi, also known as the "Festival of Colors," is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated in the month of March, and this year, it falls on March 29. The festival is a symbol of the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by throwing colored powders and water at each other. In Aurangabad, people celebrate Holi with great enthusiasm and joy. 

Ellora Ajanta Festival 

The Ellora Ajanta Festival is a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the heritage and legacy of Aurangabad. The festival is held every year in the months of October and November and showcases the rich cultural diversity of the region. It features a variety of performances, including classical music and dance, folk music, and puppet shows. The festival also includes a food and craft fair where visitors can enjoy traditional food and buy handicrafts. 

Ganesh Chaturthi 

Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day long festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Aurangabad, and people decorate their homes with lights and flowers. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and people offer sweets and prayers to Lord Ganesha. The festival usually falls in August or September. 

Ajanta International Dance Festival 

The Ajanta International Dance Festival is a unique festival that celebrates the art of dance. It is held every year in the month of November and features a variety of dance forms from around the world. The festival is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with the Aurangabad Festival Committee. Visitors can enjoy classical Indian dance forms, as well as contemporary and fusion dance performances. 

Aurangabad International Film Festival 

The Aurangabad International Film Festival is an annual event that showcases films from around the world. The festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and encourages dialogue and discussion about the art of filmmaking. The festival usually takes place in the month of January and attracts a large number of film enthusiasts. 

Bhadrapada Amavasya Fair 

The Bhadrapada Amavasya Fair is a popular fair that takes place in Aurangabad during the month of September. The fair is held at the famous Kala Maruti Temple, and people come from far and wide to take part in the festivities. The fair features a variety of stalls selling traditional food, clothes, and handicrafts. There are also several cultural performances, including folk music and dance. 

Marathwada Food Festival 

The Marathwada Food Festival is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Aurangabad and the surrounding region. The festival is held every year in the month of November and features a variety of traditional dishes from Marathwada. Visitors can enjoy delicacies such as biryani, kebabs, and sweets. The festival also includes cooking demonstrations and workshops where visitors can learn about the art of traditional cooking. 

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the art and heritage of Mumbai. The festival is held in February and attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world. The festival features a variety of performances, including theater, music, dance, and film. There are also several exhibitions and workshops where visitors can learn 

Dussehra 

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Aurangabad and falls in the month of October. The festival is marked by the burning of effigies of the demon king Ravana and is followed by a fireworks display. 

Ajanta and Ellora Festival 

The Ajanta and Ellora Festival is a popular cultural event that takes place in Aurangabad every year. The festival is held in December and is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with the Aurangabad Festival Committee. The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Aurangabad and showcases various art forms like music, dance, and theater. 

Buddha Jayanti 

Buddha Jayanti is a Buddhist festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The festival is celebrated with great zeal in Aurangabad and falls in the month of May. The festival is marked by prayer meetings, meditation, and chanting of Buddhist scriptures. The streets are decorated with colorful flags, and people visit Buddhist monasteries and temples to offer prayers. 

Urs Festival 

The Urs Festival is an annual Islamic festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Aurangabad. The festival commemorates the death anniversary of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Shah Musafir and is marked by prayer meetings and Sufi music performances. The festival is held in the month of Rajab and attracts a large number of devotees from all over the world. 

Conclusion 

Aurangabad is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and its festivals reflect its rich heritage. From the colorful festival of Holi to the cultural extravaganza of the Ellora Ajanta Festival, there is something for everyone in Aurangabad. The city is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the rich cultural diversity of India.