CHH. SAMBHAJI NAGAR

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar hosts a range of cultural events every year. One of the most prominent is the Ellora-Ajanta Festival, typically held in March at the historic Soneri Mahal near the Aurangabad Caves. It features Indian classical and folk arts, including traditional dances, vocal and instrumental music, bhajans, and theatrical performances. Another major event is the Khuldabad Urs, observed in March or April, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar. Held in Khuldabad, this five-day event includes public gatherings, qawwali performances, and cultural programs. These festivals highlight Aurangabad’s role as a center for music, performance, and regional heritage.

The Ajanta Ellora Festival is an annual event organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to promote tourism in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and throughout Maharashtra. This festival serves as a platform to showcase the region's rich culture, traditions, and artistic heritage through various activities, including dance, music, and singing performances by both local and national artists.

Typically celebrated between September and October, the festival features notable celebrities who entertain attendees. The main events are held at two key locations: Soneri Mahal and the famous Ellora Caves. The festival highlights the artistic legacy of India and aims to enhance awareness of the historical sites in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, including the renowned Kailash Mandir. 

The Sagar Festival, celebrated annually by the citizens of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar on Diwali Bhai Dooj, resembles a bull fashion show. This event draws inspiration from the famous Pamplona festival in Spain, where bulls and buffaloes are adorned with colorful decorations made from flowers. Owners take great care in showcasing their animals, emphasizing their health, running style, and unique decorations. The festivities begin in the morning at Rajabazar, featuring music and bands, and culminate in a parade that also takes place at Bibi Ka Maqbara later in the day.

The Paithan Festival, also known as Nath Shashti or Eknathashthi, is a significant cultural and religious event held in Paithan, a town in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, Maharashtra. Celebrated over three days in March during Falgun Vadya Shasti, Saptami, and Ashtami, the festival honors Sant Eknath Maharaj. The festivities begin with the puja of a sacred pot (Ranjan), which is later broken by the descendants of Nath using a stick, followed by the distribution of prasad.

A key highlight of the festival is the Dindi procession, where thousands of Warkaris from various regions, including Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, and Khandesh, take part. The event also attracts visitors from other states and even international tourists. Beyond its religious significance, the festival showcases Marathi culture and strengthens Paithan’s identity as "Santpura" (the city of sants).

The Karnapura Jatrain Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is a significant celebration dedicated to Devi Durga, spanning nine days during the Navratri festival. Each day of Navratri features the Devi Durga depicted in one of her nine different avatars.

Typically held in October, this jatra is the largest in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and takes place at the Bhavani Mata mandir in Karnapura. During these nine days, people from all over the city gather to worship and participate in various festivities.

The Kalubaba Jatra is an annual event held in Nalni Khurd, located in Taluka Bhokardan, on the auspicious day of Kartika Sud. 11 (October-November). This date commemorates the passing of Sant Kalu Patil Varhade, affectionately known as Kalubaba by the local community. The jatra takes place in a village situated along the banks of the Puma River.

The tomb dedicated to Kalubaba is a modest structure, built by his bhakts in 1945. Each morning, members of Kalubaba's family perform puja, offering a daily naivedya at noon. Kalubaba, a native of Nalni Khurd, was known for his healing abilities and led an ascetic life, attracting many villagers who regarded him as their spiritual guide.

During the jatra on Kartika Sud. 11, followers from surrounding villages gather at the mandir to pay their respects. People feel that Kalubaba can bestow aashirwad upon them and often make promises to him in exchange for fulfilling their desires.

Khuldabad, located 25 km northwest of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and situated at an elevation of 2,732 feet, is known for its pleasant climate and historical significance, housing several notable tombs, including that of Aurangzeb. The tomb of Muntajabuddin is a simple structure built in 1309 A.D., enclosed by a stone wall. Inside, visitors can find the tomb of Sant and that of his mother, with entry provided through a door on the southern side.

The Urus at Khuldabad is an annual event held in honor of Sant Muntajabuddin Zar Zari Zar Buxsh Dulahen, who travelled from the north in the 13th century to spread Islam in the southern regions of India. This urus takes place over five days from the 4th to the 8th of Rabi-UI-Awwal, with the most significant days being the 6th and 7th, which mark the saint's death anniversary.

The caretakers of the tomb, known as Mujawars, perform daily rituals that include cleaning the area, offering flowers, and burning incense. People believe in the saint's blessings and often make promises for offerings such as sweets or cash in exchange for fulfilling their wishes, like having children or finding employment.

This jatra is celebrated on Magha Vad. 14 (January-February), coinciding with Mahashivratri, which is held near the Shiv mandir, located in the town center along the banks of the Kundalika River. The mandir is surrounded by a wall, with its main entrance facing east. A flight of steps leads to the sabhamandap, which is open on all sides, and from there, people can access the tirthsthan, housing a Mahadev Linga about 2 feet tall.

While the exact dates of the mandir's original construction and the installation of the murti are unknown, it is believed that the current structure replaced an older one about ten years ago. The mandir features 108 tiny Lingas on the main Linga, which has five faces, hence its name "Panchamukhi Mahadev."

The Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) is an annual film festival held in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra. Founded in 2014, the festival aims to bring together filmmakers, cinema professionals, and audiences through a showcase of quality cinema from India and around the world.

AIFF features film screenings across a range of genres and languages, including Indian and international films. It includes both feature-length fiction and historically significant cinema. The festival offers a competitive platform with awards such as the Golden Kailash for Best Film and the Silver Kailash for categories like Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Script. Separate competitions are also held for Marathwada short films, encouraging local talent.

In addition to screenings, the festival organizes workshops, seminars, and masterclasses, providing educational opportunities for students, film enthusiasts, and emerging professionals. Special screenings, tributes, and retrospectives offer deeper engagement with the history and evolution of cinema.

The 2025 edition of AIFF took place from 15th to 19th January at PVR INOX, Prozone Mall in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Highlights included a screening of Kaliya Mardan, a silent film by Dadasaheb Phalke, and the presentation of the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award to Padma Bhushan Sai Paranjpye.

The Aurangabad Festival, held annually in December, celebrates the city’s rich culture, art, and heritage. Organized by the Aurangabad Festival Committee, it showcases local talent through classical dance, folk performances, Mushaira, Qawwali, and Ghazals. The festival also features exhibitions of traditional crafts like Paithani, Himroo, Bidri, and paper art, along with events such as heritage walks, bullock cart races, marathons, and inter-school competitions, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Aurangabad.