Jatra (Maharashtra)

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.

In some villages, women are given a break from cooking and other household chores by their menfolk.