Bhimthadi Jatra 2024: A Grand Celebration of Culture, Sustainability, and Women Empowerment Begins in Pune
Bhimthadi Jatra 2024: A Grand Celebration of Culture, Sustainability, and Women Empowerment Begins in Pune
Pune, December 20, 2024: The eagerly awaited Bhimthadi Jatra, an annual cultural and rural festival, commenced its 18th edition on December 20, 2024, at the College of Agricultural Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune. The six-day event, running until December 25, brings together a vibrant mix of cultural heritage, sustainability, and community empowerment.
The inaugural ceremony, held at 4:30 PM, was graced by Saree Stylist Ashwini Narayan and led by Sunanda Tai Pawar, the driving force behind the initiative. In her address, Mrs. Pawar highlighted the event’s evolution since its inception in 2006, stating, “Bhimthadi Jatra has become a remarkable platform celebrating rural India’s rich heritage, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. This year, we honor the upcoming 25th death anniversary of Appasaheb Pawar, whose visionary work inspired sustainable rural development.”
She also emphasized the focus on Geographical Indication (GI) products, sustainability, and the #ShareYourPrivilege campaign, which encourages visitors to support rural artisans through meaningful engagement. With over one lakh visitors expected, the Jatra promises to strengthen the rural-urban connection while celebrating Maharashtra’s vibrant spirit.
Event Highlights and Key Features:
Bhimthadi Jatra continues to empower women-led self-help groups by providing a platform to showcase and sell handmade products. The event features 325 stalls with products from women entrepreneurs across 18 districts in Maharashtra and 12 other states. These include handcrafted artifacts, traditional foods, and organic products, offering visitors a unique shopping experience while supporting local artisans.
The Jatra also includes:
Cultural Performances: Traditional art forms like Gondhali, Potraj, Bharud, and Nandibail.
Appasaheb Pawar Memorial: A tribute to his life and contributions, inspiring sustainable practices.
Workshops: A Saree Draping Workshop led by Ashwini Narayan in celebration of International Saree Day (December 21).
Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Declared a no-plastic zone, the event promotes sustainable living with reusable products and eco-friendly brands.
Culinary and Cultural Experiences:
The food section offers regional delicacies like Kolhapuri Tambda-Pandhra Rassa, Malvani Fish Thali, Rashin’s famous mutton curry, Khandeshi Mande, and more. Visitors can also explore Maharashtra’s cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and performances.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Designed to be family-friendly, the event features wheelchair access, pet-friendly zones, baby-feeding rooms, shopping carts, and medical aid. To ensure convenience, the Agriculture College’s main gate on Savitribai Phule Pune University Road will remain open on December 21, 22, and 25 for easy access.
Event Details:
Dates: December 20–25, 2024
Venue: College of Agricultural Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (open to visitors from December 21)
Bhimthadi Jatra 2024 warmly invites all cultural enthusiasts, families, and supporters of sustainable living to experience its vibrant marketplace, engaging discussions, and immersive cultural performances.
About Bhimthadi Jatra:
Bhimthadi Jatra is an annual cultural and agricultural festival dedicated to promoting rural artisans, sustainable agricultural practices, and cultural exchange. It serves as a platform for empowering women, farmers, and artisans while celebrating India’s rich heritage and advocating for environmental responsibility.
