‘Indu’, The Giant Squirrel, Becomes The Global Mascot Of Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026
‘Indu’, The Giant Squirrel, Becomes The Global Mascot Of Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026
Pune, January 22, 2026: Excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 have spread across every corner of Pune district. While the international cycling championship is being hosted in India for the first time, its official mascot—‘Indu’, the adorable Giant Squirrel—has captured widespread attention. No longer just a mascot, ‘Indu’ has emerged as a global ambassador of Maharashtra’s rich natural heritage. From the bustling city of Pune to remote rural settlements, conversations about ‘Indu’ are everywhere, once again highlighting the deep connection between Pune and the Giant Squirrel.
To understand this bond, one must travel into the dense forests of Bhimashankar in the Sahyadri ranges. Home to the origin of the Bhima river, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with exceptional biodiversity. Located at an altitude of about 1,200 metres above sea level and spread across nearly 13,078 hectares, it was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. With an annual rainfall of nearly 4,000 mm, the region has remained lush and fertile for generations. The contributions of local tribal communities and the traditional ‘Devrai’ sacred groves have played a vital role in conserving this ecosystem.
At the heart of this sanctuary is Maharashtra’s state animal—the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica), locally revered as ‘Bhimashankari’. The sanctuary itself was primarily established to protect the habitat of this species. The Giant Squirrel, with its striking reddish eyes, soft brown coat, yellowish underbelly, and long bushy tail, has always fascinated visitors. A shy, solitary creature, it survives mainly on fruits, flowers, and tree bark, and gives birth to a single offspring per year—making the species rare and ecologically significant.
Given this natural and cultural importance, the district administration selected the Giant Squirrel—named ‘Indu’—as the official mascot of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026. Through this event, athletes and cycling enthusiasts from around the world are being introduced to Maharashtra’s state animal and the ecological wealth of Bhimashankar. Delivering a message of nature conservation through a major sporting event has been widely appreciated.
With the ‘Indu’ mascot now gaining global recognition, the pride of the Sahyadris shines brightly on the world map.
