A carnival that aims to empower women and to celebrate the authentic culture of rural India, Bhimthadi Jatra Pune provides an opportunity to immerse in the hues, flavors, and customs of the villages of the country. Inspired by the medieval village fairs that were held on the banks of the Bheema River in Bhimthadi Taluka of Maharashtra, this one of a kind cultural extravaganza comprises of intriguing exhibitions, flea markets, food stalls, live shows and much more. However, what makes Bhimthadi Jatra truly stand out on the cultural calendar is the focus on empowering the women from the rural parts of the country.

Every year, this wonderful event organised by the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, showcases the intricate and spectacular handicrafts made by the rural artisans of the region. The spotlight is particularly on the female artisans of the rural areas, in an attempt to generate channels of revenue for the masters of the forgotten arts and crafts of India. In the face of urbanization and the rising popularity of mass produced goods, the local handicrafts industries are sadly losing their popularity.

The Bhimthadi Jatra Pune is an initiative to rekindle the lost glory of the traditional handicrafts and to thereby support the talented women who create these works of exemplary beauty.

At the Bhimthadi Jatra Christmas Edition, you will not only find handicrafts exhibitions but also stalls selling homemade delicacies, as well as delightful performances by local artists. The atmosphere is that of a traditional village fair, something that is hard to spot in Pune at any other time of the year. While you revel in the joyful spirit of the carnival, you will be playing a role in the financial and social empowerment of the women of the neighboring rural areas and will be supporting their skill development that will help them build a viable career.

One of the largest platforms in Maharashtra for women support groups, Bhimthadi Jatra is a much-awaited event for the aficionados of culture as well as for those who wish to give back something to the society.

One of the success stories of Bhimthadi Jatra is that of the Parivartan Mahila Bachat Gat in Thoratwadi, a small initiative that received much recognition at the carnival, which continues to support women by allowing them to monetize their sewing skills. Another organisation that has benefited due to the carnival is the Pariwar Mahila Bachat Gat Kalamb, Taluka Indapur, a women support group that produces and sells baby wear to hospitals.

The previous editions of the Bhimthadi Jatra have all been immensely successful, with a footfall of more than 4 lakh visitors last year. An even larger number of visitors are expected to turn up at the Bhimthadi Jatra Christmas Edition, which will be held from 22nd December to 25th December 2017. The city of Pune has been chosen as the venue for this event because it is considered to be the cultural and educational capital of the state of Maharashtra and has managed to preserve the local traditions despite being a metropolitan hub in most aspects. There could be no better venue for this carnival that aims to keep the flame of rural heritage burning in the modern times.

This Christmas, during the festive season that celebrates the spirit of giving, you too can get involved in a philanthropic cause by visiting the Bhimthadi Jatra. So do join the joyful celebrations of a culture that has diverse yet harmonious facets, and contribute towards keeping this rich heritage alive by your presence at the Bhimthadi Jatra Christmas Edition.aMaharashtra is blessed with many beautiful poetry inspiring places, be it lush green mountains, verdant valleys, pristine lakes or blissful waterfalls. And the beauty of the Western Ghats enhances many folds during the Monsoons!One such marvel is the Kaas Plateau, also known as the “Plateau of a million flowers”! The plateau with an altitude of 1200 meters is home to almost 850 different species of flowering plants! This marvel of nature is rightly named as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO & is thus an ecologically sensitive area.
Originally a volcanic plateau, the basalt rock of Kaas is instrumental in its spectacular flowering plants. The colors & varieties of flowers witnessed here during monsoons are mind boggling.

Here are Top Reasons Why One Must Visit Kaas Plateau this Monsoon:

1. Flower’s Magic:

If William Wordsworth had visited Kaas before penning down his legendary poem “Daffodils”, I am sure he would have many more varieties of flowers to write about! From bright purples to pinks to whites, blues & yellows many different color & varieties of flowers grow here. Needless to say, the plateau is also home to many beautiful butterflies & multi color bugs too!

2. Explore Rare Plants:

Kaas is known for its rare plants like the insectivorous plant called the Venus Flytrap. It is also home to some exotic orchids & 33 endangered species of plants. Don’t forget to carry along a book on flowers for you to easily spot them from the multicolored carpets.

3. Memories by the Lake:

Kaas Lake is just as serene & beautiful as the plateau with its multihued carpet! Don’t forget to spend some moments in the calm surroundings of the lake while you admire the God’s creations. Also, the views around are spectacular. You can even spot Sajjangad Fort in the mountain line.

4. Thosegar Waterfalls:

Situated near Kaas plateau, Thosegar waterfalls are well-known tourist attraction & offer great views of valleys & waterfalls. The monsoons are the best time of the year to visit the falls too. The cliffs are covered in lush green carpets & tourists can enjoy some quality time here.

5. Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani:

These well-known hill stations are tourists all time favorites & are at an approachable distance from Kaas Plateau. There is Tapola lake on the route where one can enjoy relaxed boating, camping & adventure activities. Koyna backwaters are covered by lush green forest reserves & offer great views of the verdant surroundings.

How to Reach Kaas Plateau:

Kaas is about 3 hour’s drive from Pune on Pune-Satara Highway. The roads are good & offer scenic locales. It is best to travel in a personal vehicle. Alternatively, state transport bus connectivity is also good on this road. There is also another route via Mahabaleshwar for those who wish to make a quick stopover at the hill station too.

Best Places to Stay Near Kaas Plateau:

Thousands of tourists flock this place in Monsoons & it is recommended to arrive well early in the morning as every day only up to 3000 tourists are allowed at this Eco-sensitive plateau. Given its closeness to Satara, it is advisable to halt in Satara the previous night & visit the plateau early morning the next day. There are many agro-tourism centers and Farmstays around Satara offering comfortable stay & food options. Tourists can also check in into hotels & resorts in nearby areas. Food offered is mainly Maharashtrian local cuisine & is sumptuous.

Best Time to Visit Kaas Plateau:

Flowers are in full bloom in monsoons & best time to visit would be September to October.