Mahabaleshwar Hosts Mega Tourism Festival to Promote Maharashtra’s Heritage and Investment

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Mahableshwar, 3rd May 2025: In a landmark initiative to boost Maharashtra’s tourism profile on national and international maps, the state government has launched the Mahaparyatan Utsav: Sohla Maharashtracha, a three-day cultural and tourism festival that kicked off on May 2 in Mahabaleshwar. The event is being held at Mahabaleshwar Giristhan and is expected to become an annual celebration of the state’s heritage, art, cuisine, and natural beauty.

The festival is being organized under the leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai and Minister of State for Tourism Indranil Naik. It aims to rejuvenate tourism, support local businesses, promote cultural preservation, and generate investment in the state’s tourism infrastructure.

Grand Inauguration and Government Support

The festival was inaugurated on May 2 at the Golf Club Ground by DCMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, in the presence of key cabinet ministers and senior officials including Principal Secretary Atul Patne and MTDC MD Manojkumar Suryavanshi.

Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan is expected to attend on May 3 to inaugurate the renovated Chhatrapati Pratap Singh Forest Park and Petit Library building. The festival’s closing ceremony on May 4 will be graced by Chief Minister Fadnavis and both Deputy Chief Ministers.

In a significant step for tourist safety, prompted by recent security concerns in Pahalgam, the Maharashtra Tourist Security Force will be introduced in Mahabaleshwar for a trial period of three months starting May 3.

Diverse Cultural and Tourism Attractions

Spanning adventure, culture, heritage, and sustainability, the festival offers something for every visitor:

• Aerial Attractions: Helicopter rides from Baba Dubhash Farm offer panoramic views of Mahabaleshwar’s landscape.
• Adventure Sports: Paragliding, parasailing, and water sports at Table Top, Tapola, and Dubhash Farm.
• Forts and Arms Exhibition: Replicas of 10 key Maratha forts and 1,000 Shivkalin weapons on display at Chhatrapati Pratap Singh Park.
• Laser and Drone Shows: A light and laser display on May 2–3 and a 300-drone performance on May 4 depicting Satara’s history at Venna Lake.
• Cultural Parade: On May 3, a vibrant Carnival Parade will feature Lezim troupes, Dhol Pathak, Warkari Dindi, tribal dances, and rare folk arts like Pavli, Vasudev, and Gondhalis.

Wellness, Kids Activities and Traditional Touch

Yoga sessions at Wilson Point on May 3–4 will be conducted by Dr. Gajanan Saraf, while flutist Amar Oak will present a live “Morning Ragaaz”. A fun run and cyclothon are also scheduled for fitness enthusiasts.

For children, Seth Gangadhar Makhariya Garden will host a Kids Zone with storytelling, pottery, painting, and photography workshops.

Showcasing Maharashtra’s Culinary & Artistic Diversity

Food lovers will enjoy a sprawling food festival and flea market at Gangadhar Makhariya High School with regional cuisines from Marathwada to Konkan and crafts from local women’s self-help groups.

Immersive Tourism Experiences

Specially curated heritage and spiritual tours cover Mahabaleshwar’s three historic temples—Krishnai Temple, Panchganga Temple, and Mahabaleshwar Temple—arranged by MTDC in morning and evening batches.

In a first, experiential tours such as Honey Bee Tourism, rural village explorations, agritourism, temple circuits, and strawberry farm visits are also on offer.

Visionary Dialogues and Expert Sessions

Three key conferences are being held during the festival to shape future tourism policy and sustainability practices:

• Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024
• Opportunities in Water Tourism
• Agritourism and Biodynamic Farming

Luxurious Accommodations and Crowd Management

A tent city with 60 five-star tents has been set up near Golf Club Ground and Mapro Garden, giving tourists a unique glamping experience amidst nature.

A Statewide Model for Regional Branding

“This is not just a festival, it’s a movement to turn Maharashtra into a globally recognized tourism hub,” said MTDC MD Manojkumar Suryavanshi. “Through this initiative, we are not only preserving heritage but also building a robust future for tourism.”

The event is being implemented by MTDC teams under the leadership of senior officials including GM Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, SRM Hanumant Hede, and RM Deepak Harne.

The Mahaparyatan Utsav marks a significant turning point in Maharashtra’s tourism narrative. By blending traditional heritage with modern experiences, the state aims to establish itself as a leading destination for both domestic and global travelers.