The diverse regions of Marathwada, Vidarbha, Khandesh and Konkan nested in the state of Maharashtra are home to people of different religions and cultures. These regions also have their own cultural identity with different language, folk songs and food.

About 79% of the state’s population is Hindu while Budhhists, Muslims and Christians form the significant minorities. With a long history of Marathi saints of the Varakari movement, such as saint Dnyaneshwar, saint Namdev, saint Tukaram etc, it forms the foundation of the Maharashtrian or Marathi culture. Under the reign of King Shivaji of the 17th Century, the culture of Maharashtra had huge influence over India.

Owing to its rich Hindu heritage, there are many temples in Maharashtra, some even thousands of years old. These temples are fusion of architectural styles and themes from North and South India. The Vitthal Temple at Pandharpur, the Ashtavinayaka temples of Lord Ganesha, the Shiva temple of Bhimashankarare some of the most important Hindu structures in the state.

UNESCO world heritage sites located in Aurangabad and famous tourist attractions. CST, Shaniwar Wada, Bibi ka Maqbara and Agah Khan Palace are some of the major monuments of Historic significance in the state. Hill, land and sea forts are major witnesses of how the Maharashtrian history unfolded. Forts like Shivneri, Raigad, Sinhagad, Pratapgad, etc are found in the coastal regions or the adjoining Sahyadri ranges.