Pune: 19th Bhimthadi Jatra Returns With a Fresh Identity, Showcasing Rural Women Entrepreneurs; Says Organiser Sunanda Pawar
Pune, 8th December 2025: The popular Bhimthadi Jatra, known for championing rural women’s entrepreneurship, is set to return for its 19th edition in an all-new format this year. Organised by the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, the Bhimthadi Foundation, and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, the festival will be held from December 20 to 25, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., at the Agriculture College Grounds, Shivajinagar (Sinchan Nagar). The details were announced today by organiser Sunanda Pawar during a press conference.
Sunanda Pawar highlighted the Trust’s five-decade-long work across agriculture, education, water conservation, training, artificial intelligence, and women’s development. She described Bhimthadi Jatra as one of the organisation’s most impactful initiatives, providing rural women’s self-help groups with direct access to customers and economic opportunities.
“This year’s Jatra comes with a completely refreshed identity,” Pawar said. “Our central theme is ‘India’s Native Flowers’, through which we aim to promote the conservation and celebration of indigenous plant varieties. Visitors will also get practical demonstrations on growing chemical-free vegetables at home using urban and kitchen gardening techniques.”
Grand Mughal-Style Entrance and Folk Art Showcase
This year’s event will welcome visitors through an elaborate Mughal-inspired floral gateway. Inside, an expansive rangoli installation created by local artists will depict Maharashtra’s traditional folk culture, featuring performances and displays by Gondhali, Potraj, Bharud, Buruḍ, Patharvat, Nandibail artists and others.
Wide Array of Rural Products and Food Specialities
The exhibition will feature an extensive collection of products crafted by women’s self-help groups, including:
Millet-based ready foods
Organic vegetables
GI-certified food products
Handicrafts, clothing and traditional artefacts
Homemade pickles, spices, masalas and chutneys
Sun-dried snacks, traditional sweets and premix millet dishes
Earthenware and seasonal produce
Indigenous seeds, saplings, wooden-pressed oils, organic jaggery and other farm products
Visitors can also watch live demonstrations of wholesome millet dishes such as ragi idli, millet bhel, rale pulav and rale lapsi.
Massive Rural Food Festival With more than 85 Stalls
The food section—one of the Jatra’s biggest attractions—will feature over 85 stalls serving Maharashtra’s authentic rural vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.
Offerings will include:
Makkechi bhakri, methi pitla, traditional vangyachi bhaji
Gavran ghee jalebi, khapli wheat kheer
Jejuri’s famous puranpoli
Khekda curry and regional speciality non-veg preparations
Products made from cow dung and cow urine, including ud, samidha, and dung cakes
Seasonal items such as fresh turmeric pickles, bel murabba, khajoor lonche, millet snacks and more
Pawar said the Jatra continues to prioritise women’s economic empowerment while giving visitors a deeper glimpse into rural entrepreneurship, traditional cuisine and local artistry.
“Bhimthadi Jatra has always celebrated the spirit of women-led creativity and enterprise. This year, Puneites will experience an even more vibrant blend of rural culture, food heritage and innovative products,” she said.
