The indigenous Aurangabadi Culture that evidently echoes in the language, lifestyle and cuisines of the citizens of Aurangabad is extensively influenced by the kernel and the quintessence of the idiosyncratic Muslim culture enrooted in Hyderabad. The most spoken languages of Aurangabad are Marathi, Urdu and Hindi that proclaim the obvious effect of Dakhni – Hyderabadi Urdu dialect. One of the most prolific classical Urdu poets Wali Dakhni, also reckoned by the name ‘Wali Aurangabadi’ is the most illuminated star glittering in the literary firmament of ancient Aurangabad. He was one of the earliest poets to establish his eminence in the field of Urdu Poetry. Other outstanding poets of Aurangabad were Siren Aurangabadi, Azad Bilgrami and Sikandar Ali Wajd. Abul Ala Maududi; a descendent of the Chishti saints who had earned momentous acclamation as a great Muslim scholar was also born in Aurangabad.
The cuisine of Aurangabad presents a lot of similarity with the traditional Mughlai or Hyderabadi food. The chief components of Aurangabadi menu comprise the aromatic pulao & biryani and meat cooked in fragrant spices. Naan Qalia; an exclusive mutton curry eaten with Naan is the classic Aurangabadi dish that finds its origin in the army camp of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The recipe reached Aurangabad when Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in 1327 AD. Tahri or Tahari is yet another well-liked food item of Aurangabad and Marathwada regions. Other notable cuisines of Aurangabad are Murg Kababs Mughlai, Murg Noorjeha, Biryani Badshahi, Shahi Chicken Korma, Meat Durbari, Keema Matar, Seekh Kabab, Shami Kabab, Mughlai Chicken Pulao, Ras Malai, Rabri, Sevian, Chand ka Tukda, Orange Phirni, Kujja Kulfi and other Hyderabadi and Mughlai cuisine. Typical Marathi food specialties widely eaten at Aurangabad include Jhunka, Pithla, Thecha, Jwari & Bajri chi Bhakri, Thalipeeth, and so on.
Aurangabad has made its mark on the world front for its ethnic local arts such as Himroo and Mashru fabrics, Kimkhab, Bidriware, Paithani Saris, the handmade paper of Kaghzipura, and so on. Himroo fabric, believed to have originated in Persia is a textile material fabricated from the mixture of silk and cotton. Paithani Saris that derive their name from the nearby town Paithan are woven out of pure silk yarn decorated with gold and silver threads. Bidriware is a unique art of gold and silver inlays worn on copper. Impressive Bidriware such as plates, bowls, vases, trinket boxes, jewellery, cufflinks, nameplates, ashtrays, etc are some of the must buy items at Aurangabad. Kaghzipura, located near Daulatabad is a place where the first handmade paper of India was manufactured. This handmade paper was used to print Quran on it.
The most remarkable festivals celebrated at Aurangabad and exclusive to Aurangabadi culture are, the Ajanta and Ellora Festival, Aurangabad Festival, Khultabad Urs and Paithan Fair.
Ajanta and Ellora Festival celebrated in the month of March every year is the carnival of classical dance and music. Held against the backdrop of the world famous Ellora Caves, this fiesta organized by the Tourism Department of the Maharashtra State Government showcases mesmeric performances of the prominent and genius personalities from the field of classical music and dance who arrive here from different parts of the country.
Aurangabad Festival that is held in the month of December every year honors the rich local cultural and artistic heritage of Aurangabad. This festival primarily endeavors to explore the hidden talents of the people and aims at escalating the vitality of this historic city. Managed by the Aurangabad Festival Committee, this festival essentially underlines the demonstration of local art, culture and heritage through various performances of classical and folk dances, Mushaira, Qawalli, Ghazals, and other popular songs. Furthermore, the famous local art of Aurangabad such as Himroo, Mashru, Paithani, Bidri, Paperwork, etc is also displayed at the time of Aurangabad Festival. Supplementary attractions of Aurangabad Festival are the traditional bullock cart races, marathon races, senior citizens heritage walk, inter-school and inter-college competitions, and so on.
Paithan Fair, celebrated in the month of March or April is the ‘Utsav’ when pilgrims assemble at Paithan and offer homage at the feet of the great Marathi saint Eknath Maharaj at the Eknath Maharaj Temple. The Paithan Fair is celebrated with unparalleled fervor and passion continues for 10 days.
Khultabad Urs is celebrated by the Muslim citizens in the month of Rabi-Ul-Awal when they gather at the tomb of Khwaja for five days and undertake the Urs celebration.
