Indulge in 20-mini festivals of Maharashtra in post-lockdown period

AdventureTour amp TasteRelaxingEducationalAncient amp HistoricalThe 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 cultureYou can expect 20 minifestivals across six regions in MaharashtramdashKonkan Pune Nashik Aurangabad Amravati and Nashikmdashfrom now until March We think there couldnrsquot be a better way to restart refresh and rejoice the new year Bon voyage PS Donrsquot forget your masksTaste indigenous tippleAt India Grape Harvest FestivalCelebrating the industrial and agricultural produce of Nashik Maharashtrarsquos 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 ldquoThis time we are going to use boats from a nearby boatclub to ferry guests We will be taking them vineyard hoppingrdquoManoj JagtapWhen March 27 and 28Where Grape Park Resort MTDC NashikCall 7391060098Listen to the childrenrsquos orchestraAt Panhala Travel FestivalThe historic town of forts Panhala situated 3200 feet above sea level will host a threeday festival The marquee festival will be inaugurated by putting on display an impressive set of historic weapons and vintage carsJeevankumar ShindeOur favourite part though is the performance of the Warana Childrenrsquos Orchestra Jeevankumar Shinde manager of the group says ldquoIn 1970 Tatyasaheb Kore set up the Warana Childrenrsquos Orchestra for kids aged seven to 16 Kore hired a multitalented 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 RamayanrdquoWhen February 26 27 and 28 11 am onwardsWhere Interpretation Centre Panhala Fort near KolhapurCall 9503649879Meet a Tibetan guestAt Bodalkasa Bird FestivalThis twoday 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 loverrsquos refugeKiran PurandareAvid bird watcher Kiran Purandare who is participating in the festival says ldquoI 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 barheaded goose which is a winter migrant from Ladakh and TibetrdquoWhen February 27 and 28Where Bodalkasa village Tirora taluka Gondia districtCall 8422822058Buy magical milletAt Bhandardara Tribal FestivalBhandardara 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 greensmdashPatrabhaji Ambadi Khurasni and Takla and healthy pulses including the proso millet and magical millet will be up for saleNilima Jorwar of Kalsubai Agro Eco Tourism says ldquoThe 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 themselvesrdquoNilima JorwarWhen March 6 and 7Where Bhandardara Ahmednagar districtCall 9423785436MapUday MohiteGet in touchIf 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 02222044040 or email them at itmaharashtratourismgovinWant to hear from youWe are looking to visit and write about interesting places of stay and travel near and far If you wish to host us for a fair engaging experiencereview write to us at smdmailmiddaycom