Jatra or Urus are annual festivals held in a large number of villages in the Indian state of Maharashtra during the months of January to May.[1] These may be in honour of the village Hindu deity (Gram devta) or the tomb (dargah) of a local Sufi pir.[2] In some instances, the holy man in the tomb is revered under different names by Hindus and Muslims.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]

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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Balasaheb Tukaram Kanase (2017). Cooperative Dairy Industries and Milk Production. Lulu Publication. p. 80. ISBN 978-1-387-39486-9 – via Google Books.
    - R. M. Betham (1908). Maráthas and Dekhani Musalmáns (1996 reprint ed.). Asian Educational Services. pp. 73–74. ISBN 978-81-206-1204-4 – via Google Books.
    - Ram Puniyani (21 July 2005). Religion, Power and Violence: Expression of Politics in Contemporary Times. SAGE Publications. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-7619-3338-0 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Feldhaus, Anne, ed. (1998). Images of women in Maharashtrian society : [papers presented at the 4th International Conference on Maharashtra: Culture and Society held in April 1991 at Arizona State University]. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press. p. 66. ISBN 9780791436592.
  3. ^ J. J. Roy Burman (2002). Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities. Mittal Publications. pp. 92–93. ISBN 978-81-7099-839-6 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Shodhganga. "Sangli District" (PDF). Shodhganga. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
    - Shibu Thomas (19 October 2012). "Maharashtra asks high court to reconsider ban on bullock cart races". Times of India. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  5. ^ R. M. Betham (1908). Maráthas and Dekhani Musalmáns. Calcutta. p. 71. ISBN 81-206-1204-3 – via Google Books.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)