Kolhapur’s Royal Dussehra Festival Recognised As State-Level Event By Maharashtra Government
Kolhapur’s Royal Dussehra Festival Recognised As State-Level Event By Maharashtra Government
Kolhapur, September 12, 2025: Kolhapur, known for its rich historical and religious heritage, has added another honour to its cultural legacy. The Maharashtra Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department has officially included Kolhapur’s Royal Dussehra Festival in the list of the state’s major festivals. The announcement was made through a government notification issued on Thursday.
This year, the grand celebration will be held from September 22 to October 2. The tradition of Royal Dussehra dates back to the era of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and blends religious devotion with royal customs. The festival features local folk arts, traditional dances, displays of Maratha weaponry, and demonstrations of warfare techniques from the Shivaji era.
The move to grant state-level recognition followed a proposal submitted by District Collector Amol Yedge, who pursued the matter with the government at the ministerial level. His efforts resulted in the inclusion of Kolhapur’s Dussehra in the official tourism calendar for 2025–26.
Kolhapur, home to the revered Ambabai Temple — one of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas — attracts 30–40 lakh devotees during the Sharadiya Navratri festival each year. Interestingly, the upcoming Dussehra on October 2 coincides with the historical inauguration of the Bhavani Mandap arch, which took place on the same date 191 years ago.
Alongside its festivals, Kolhapur also boasts heritage and tourist landmarks such as Panhala Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jyotiba Temple, Dajipur Sanctuary, Kaneri Math, Amba Ghat, and the world-renowned Kopeshwar Temple at Khidrapur. Officials believe the Royal Dussehra’s elevation to a state festival will further boost tourism in the district.
