Jatra (Maharashtra)
A large number of villages in the Indian state of Maharashtra hold their annual festivals called Jatra or Urus during the months of January–May. These may be in the honour of the village Hindu deity or the tomb of a local Sufi Pir. In some instances the holy man in the tomb is revered under different names by Hindus and muslims respectively. 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. 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.
