Mahabaleshwar witnessed a remarkable celebration of culture, adventure, and heritage with the successful conclusion of the Maha Tourism Festival. This festival is organized over a span of two to four months by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the Tourism Department of the Government of Maharashtra in different locations.
The festival, which aimed to elevate Mahabaleshwar to international prominence, was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and drew significant public and administrative participation.
Prominent dignitaries present at the inauguration included Tourism and Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jaykumar Gore, MLA Tukaram Kate, Tourism Department General Manager Manoj Kumar Suryawanshi, District Magistrate Santosh Patil, Forest Conservator Aditi Bhardwaj, Superintendent of Police Vaishali Kadukar, Additional District Magistrate Milind Mane, Additional CEO Vishwas Sid, Director of Tourism BN Patil, and brand ambassadors Mrinal Dev-Kulkarni and Naveli Deshmukh. Also present was the Japanese Consulate General Yamashita San, highlighting the international attention the event garnered.
Speaking at the inauagration of the festival, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde expressed pride in the success of the event, noting that for the first time in the region’s history, such a large-scale tourism festival was held. He emphasised Mahabaleshwar’s rich legacy as a land blessed by the presence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and praised the high-quality preparations by the tourism department.
Throughout the festival, visitors enjoyed a wide array of cultural programs, adventure sports, a fort and weaponry exhibition, a vibrant food festival, helicopter rides, and more. The food festival in particular drew crowds with its diverse offerings, including spicy local delicacies, sweets, and medicinal foods. Shinde reiterated the importance of sustainable product branding, suggesting that strengthening the market for local self-help groups could empower youth and women economically.
He also shared updates on major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting tourism, such as the Bamnoli-Khoyat cable bridge, the weaving gallery, and the bridge connecting Konkan and Western Maharashtra. These developments are expected to contribute significantly to making Satara district a tourism hub.
An experimental initiative – the Maharashtra Tourist Security Branch – was also launched during the festival. This aims to ensure a safe and secure experience for visitors. Based on its success in Mahabaleshwar, the initiative may be expanded state-wide.
Tourism Minister Desai remarked that mega tourism events like this are essential for branding regions like Satara globally. He expressed satisfaction at the beautification and planning efforts made by the district and police administration, and stressed the importance of forming a Tourism Safety Team to maintain tourist safety and enhance their experience.
Rural Development Minister Gore appreciated the scenic beauty of Mahabaleshwar and the ongoing efforts to develop it further, particularly the bridge connecting to Konkan, which is expected to attract even more tourists.
As part of the festivities, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde toured the Food Festival Flea Market, Kids Zone, Tarangta Market at Venna Lake, Pratap Singh Udyan, and inaugurated the tent city set up at the golf club along with the tourist security department.
With record footfall and positive feedback from both tourists and stakeholders, the Maha Tourism Festival concluded on a high note, setting the stage for Mahabaleshwar to evolve into an international tourist destination.
