of India, 81.75% of the population in the district spoke Marathi, 8.08% Hindi, 6.37% Urdu and 1.82% Lambadi as their first language. Culture and Religion Shri Siddeshwar fair at Latur is held every year. Thousands of people attend the Gangaram Maharaj Samadhi every Ekadashi at Hattibet in Udgir tehsil. In January 2011, the first ever 'Latur Festival' was organised on 10, 11 and 12 January under the guidance of Mr. Amit Deshmukh. The grand success of this event has now ensured a permanent spot on the cultural calendar. Now this is an annual fixture. The event is organised by the Latur Club. Education Latur pattern The Latur Pattern of study was developed by former principals Janardan Waghmare and Aniruddha Jadhav of Rajarshi Shahu College in Latur, India. The 'Latur pattern' is a combination of special training and intensive coaching. Students solve a series of probable question papers and attend coaching sessions to prepare them for the exams. Latur pattern is a mechanical methodology of continuous study designed to help students in providing point-to-point answers to questions which could be expected in the examination. It became the standard for secondary, higher secondary, and university education in the Maharashtra state of India. This educational technique has become widely adopted in other parts of the state due to the success of student's in Maharashtra on the standardized Common Entrance Examinations (CET). This methodology, has been criticized by many educators in India, who consider it a tool to gain temporary advantage, that does not prepare them for advanced learning. Higher education In past few years, Latur has emerged as an educational hub for higher education. There are many institutions which offer bachelor's degree, and master's degree. Most of the well established professional degree colleges are located in Latur city, many have recently been erected in sub-urban area. Being renowned for its glorious results, Latur city attracts many students from different parts of state. Primary and secondary education There are as many as 1284 primary schools run by and 487 private schools affiliated to the Education department of Latur District Council. The primary medium of teaching in most of these schools is Marathi. However; many schools observe English, Semi-English, Urdu medium of teaching. Latur is known for its Latur Pattern which has given toppers to the state for many years in HSC and SSC exams conducted by MSBSHSE. Divisions Administratively the district is divided into