Solapur is a city located in the south-western region of Maharashtra, and lies on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The population residing in Solapur speaks of Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi. Solapur is the fourth-largest district in Maharashtra in terms of land area, and seventh-largest in terms of population. Solapuri chadars and towels are world-famous. It has been a leading center for cotton mills and power looms in India. Solapur had the world's second-largest and Asia's largest spinning mill.
The chief deity of the city is Shri Siddheshwar. The "Nandidhwaj" procession on Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14 January. An annual fair locally known as 'Gadda Yatra' attracts large crowds. Solapur Municipal Corporation extended its area up to 300 square kilometres by merging its suburbs.
Solapur is located on an important junction of the North–South railway line, a good base for industries for logistical reasons. Solapur is one of the leading centres for handlooms, power looms and cotton mills.
