The state is set to host 20 mini-fests to kickstart tourism post lockdown. Here’s the best of culture, food and wildlife to experience between February and March
India Grape Harvest Festival
Adventure
Tour & Taste
Relaxing
Educational
Ancient & Historical
The year 2020 was nothing short of a nightmare for Maharashtra tourism. As travellers gradually begin to leave home, choosing places closer than far away due to flight restrictions, the state is readying for a season of festivals that celebrate its surroundings and culture.
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You can expect 20 mini-festivals across six regions in Maharashtra—Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nashik—from now until March. We think, there couldn’t be a better way to restart, refresh and rejoice the new year. Bon voyage. P.S. Don’t forget your masks.
Taste indigenous tipple
At India Grape Harvest Festival
Celebrating the industrial and agricultural produce of Nashik, Maharashtra’s wine capital, this festival will host walks and wine tastings at consecutive wineries and vineyards. At the event, around 20 unique wines from grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grillo will be showcased. A musical evening, fashion show and workshop on recipes with wine are on the cards. Manoj Jagtap, veteran of the Indian wine industry, says, “This time, we are going to use boats from a nearby boatclub to ferry guests. We will be taking them vineyard hopping.”
Manoj Jagtap
When: March 27 and 28
Where: Grape Park Resort, MTDC, Nashik
Call: 7391060098
Listen to the children’s orchestra
At Panhala Travel Festival
The historic town of forts, Panhala, situated 3,200 feet above sea level, will host a three-day festival. The marquee festival will be inaugurated by putting on display an impressive set of historic weapons and vintage cars.
Jeevankumar Shinde
Our favourite part though is the performance of the Warana Children’s Orchestra. Jeevankumar Shinde, manager of the group, says, “In 1970, Tatyasaheb Kore set up the Warana Children’s Orchestra, for kids aged seven to 16. Kore hired a multi-talented musician who would teach the children dholak, tabla, harmonium, among other instruments. Students started performing and events turned out to be a hit in the region. We have continued the tradition. This time, the group will be performing the Geet Ramayan.”
When: February 26, 27 and 28; 11 am onwards
Where: Interpretation Centre, Panhala Fort, near Kolhapur
Call: 9503649879
Meet a Tibetan guest
At Bodalkasa Bird Festival
This two-day festival aims to create awareness about the importance of avian conservation and celebrate the birds of Bodalkasa. Home to the Bodalkasa Dam and Nagzira Tiger Reserve, it has earned the reputation of the nature lover’s refuge.
Kiran Purandare
Avid bird watcher, Kiran Purandare, who is participating in the festival, says, “I have been bird watching for over 40 years. Originally from Pune, I moved here with my wife Anagha because of our common interest in forest birds. The festival is going to be informative. If participants get lucky, they may see the bar-headed goose, which is a winter migrant from Ladakh and Tibet.”
When: February 27 and 28
Where: Bodalkasa village, Tirora taluka, Gondia district
Call: 8422822058
Buy magical millet
At Bhandardara Tribal Festival
Bhandardara, famous for its fireflies festival and breathtaking waterfalls, will host a celebration surrounding local tribal communities. A variety of local food, including the wild tribal greens—Patrabhaji, Ambadi, Khurasni and Takla, and healthy pulses, including the proso millet and magical millet, will be up for sale.
Nilima Jorwar of Kalsubai Agro Eco Tourism says, “The tribal communities work hard to grow the produces, but face a challenge when selling. We have worked with them for long over the years to help them get a fair deal. Their produce is of the highest quality and this festival gives all of Maharashtra the chance to see it for themselves.”
Nilima Jorwar
When: March 6 and 7
Where: Bhandardara, Ahmednagar district
Call: 9423785436
Map/Uday Mohite
Get in touch
If you wish to attend these festivals or others that will be held thereafter in Ahmednagar, Pune and Dhule districts, get in touch with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on 022-22044040 or email them at it@maharashtratourism.gov.in
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