Navi Mumbai: Basantotsav at CBD Agro Gardens celebrates sustainable farming, eco-friendly living, and cultural vibrancy. | File Photo
Navi Mumbai: Once a stretch of barren land, a three-acre expanse in CBD, Navi Mumbai, has been transformed into a thriving green space dedicated to sustainable farming. This lush retreat, known as CBD Agro Gardens, as its annual practice opened its gates to the public for Basantotsav, an annual festival marking the spirit of Vasant Panchami. The event was designed to celebrate nature, agriculture, and eco-conscious living, drawing hundreds of eager visitors.
Basantotsav is an attempt to provide a hands-on opportunity, especially for children, to experience the essence of agriculture. “Visitors engaged in interactive sessions covering farming techniques, essential materials, fertilizers, and water usage, helping them understand the nuances of sustainable farming,” said an organisor.
CBD Agro Gardens, sector 9 of Belapur is home to a variety of crops, including eggplants, cauliflower, cabbage, okra, fenugreek, spinach, turmeric, red amaranth, mango ginger, pumpkin, and tomatoes. The venue also boasts a butterfly garden, attracting nature lovers.
The day-long festival featured an array of environmental awareness workshops, led by experts in various fields. The activities that visitors participated included mobile nature photography, sustainable gardening using natural materials, Warli painting, handicrafts, and nature storytelling sessions. “These workshops provided valuable insights into eco-friendly practices while offering a hands-on learning experience,” said the organisors.
Adding to the cultural vibrance were a drum circle and classical music performances. Participants immersed themselves in interactive music sessions, enjoying the fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds in the garden’s serene atmosphere.
The festival also catered to food enthusiasts with a diverse spread of organic, homemade delicacies. A special highlight was the millet and traditional homemade food stalls, where visitors indulged in nutritious and wholesome meals prepared by local participants. The combination of fresh farm produce and authentic flavors made the festival a total success with visitors looking forward for the next festival.
More than 600 attendees gathered for the festival . The event was organized by dedicated volunteers, including Gaurav Karande, Bhagwat, Jui Kopkar, and several other members. Their commitment to environmental awareness and community engagement played a crucial role in the festival’s execution.
“The transformation of this place from a barren landscape to a flourishing ecosystem stands as a testament to sustainable initiatives. The festival is not only to reconnect residents with nature but also inspire future generations to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles,” adds the organisors.
