Mahabaleshwar, the scenic hill station in Maharashtra, will host the Maharashtra Mahaparyatan Utsav 2025 from May 2 to May 4. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is organizing this three-day festival to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and boost tourism. The event will offer a blend of cultural performances, adventure activities, culinary delights, and more, attracting visitors from across the country.
Festival Highlights
Grand Inauguration and Dignitaries
The festival will begin on May 2 at 5 PM at the Golf Club Grounds in Mahabaleshwar. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will grace the event. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Public Works Minister Shivendra Singh Rajé Bhosale, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Jaykumar Gore, and Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil will also attend. On May 3, Governor CP Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the renovated Chhatrapati Pratapsingh Garden and the restored Petit Library.
Cultural and Adventure Activities
Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities:
- Cultural Performances: Renowned artists will perform traditional dances like Pavli, Adivasi Dance, Vasudev, Gondhali, and Kadkalakshmi during a grand Carnival Parade on May 3 at 4 PM. The parade will start from Swargiya Balasaheb Thackeray Chowk and proceed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk.
- Fort-and-Weapon Exhibition: The Chhatrapati Pratapsingh Garden near Venna Lake will host an exhibition from 9 AM to 7 PM, where organizers will showcase replicas of 10 major forts from the Maratha Empire and display nearly 1,000 antique weapons from Shivaji’s era.
- Adventure Sports: Activities like paragliding, parasailing, and water sports will be available at Dubhash Farm and Tapola.
- Kids Zone: At Seth Gangadhar Makharia Garden, children can participate in workshops on pottery, painting, storytelling, and photography.
Culinary Delights and Flea Market
The Food Festival at Seth Gangadhar Makharia High School will serve delicious dishes from Marathwada, Vidarbha, Konkan, and Western Maharashtra. Local vendors from Satara and Maan will set up special stalls to offer unique regional delicacies. The Flea Market will highlight handicrafts and products created by local women entrepreneurs.
Wellness and Fitness Activities
Dr. Gajanan Saraf and his team will lead yoga sessions at Wilson Point on May 3 from 6 AM to 7 AM. Audiences can also enjoy “Morning Raagas,” a soulful musical program featuring bansuri (flute) by Amar Oak.
Tourism Seminars and Village Tours
The festival will include seminars on water tourism, biodynamic farming, and Maharashtra’s tourism policy for 2024. Visitors can also explore historical temples like Panchganga Mandir and Krishnai Mandir, join experiential village tours, engage in agricultural tourism, and enjoy strawberry farm visits.
Accommodation
Organizers will set up 60 luxurious five-star tents for guests. Some tents will be located near the Golf Club Grounds, while others will be near Mapro Garden in Mauje Bhose.
Traffic Diversions and Safety Measures
In anticipation of large crowds and VIP movements, the District Administration and Tourism Development Corporation have announced significant traffic changes:
- One-Way Routes: Authorities will route incoming traffic from Mumbai–Pune–Wai to Panchgani/Mahabaleshwar via Wai (Pasarani Ghat). Outbound vehicles will use Mahabaleshwar–Medha–Kudal–Pachwad, linking to the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway.
- Local Diversions: Officials will enforce one-way traffic on key routes within Mahabaleshwar, including roads to Venna Lake and Bhilar–Panchgani. They have already installed directional boards and deployed additional police personnel at major junctions.
To prioritize tourist safety following recent incidents, the government will launch a Maharashtra Tourist Safety Force. This new force will begin operating in Mahabaleshwar on May 3 under the Governor’s supervision and will remain active in the area for three months.
Summing Up
The Maharashtra Mahaparyatan Utsav 2025 promises a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, and heritage, positioning Maharashtra as a premier travel destination. With thoughtful planning, diverse attractions, and strengthened safety measures, visitors can immerse themselves in the state’s rich traditions and natural beauty.
