Maharashtra, like all other states in India, is rich in culture, heritage, and traditions. There is a variety of rituals, ceremonies, and traditions that bring people close to the divine energy. Out of many, Gondhal is also one. Gondhal, in literal translation, means 'chaos,' which depicts chaos through good vibrations that dispel all evil. Gondhal is one of the Kulachara or Kula dharmas, that is, the family traditions of certain Brahmin and Maratha families in Maharashtra. Gondhal The ritual of gondhal is considered ‘vidhinatya,’ which means ritualistic performance. It is mainly performed after auspicious events such as marriage or upanayana (initiation into studentship); in some regions, it's performed as part of the festival of Navaratri. A gondhal is performed to express gratitude to the kula devata (patron deity of the family). It's believed that the ritual calls the deity to the house and asks her to bless the family members and to kill all the evils.