Named after the colour of its skin and shell, Olive Ridley turtles remain the most abundant sea turtle species. But their population has been dwindling, making conservation efforts the need of the hour. Located in Maharashtra's Konkan belt, Velas has been a hub for turtle activity. Every year, around March and April, the Velas coast witnesses these shelled creatures hatching from their eggs and then embarking on their journey towards the sea. After starting conservation work in 2002, the NGO Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) along with the forest department, village panchayat and Kasav Mitramandal decided to put together a turtle festival to raise awareness.

Olive Ridley turtles at Velas beach