Off to chikooland

Dahanu’s fest is back with a new name but the same heritage-rich experience we’ve long loved

A picturesque location by the sea, surrounded by swaying palm trees, fragrant roses, sweet aroma of chikoos and an eclectic mix of events spread over two days. Old wine, new bottle? The chikoo festival of the region comes packaged in a brand new avatar with the first-ever Dahanu Festival this month that aims to put the coastal town firmly on the national tourism map. Think kite flying (day and night), beach paragliding, agro farm tours, old and ancient games, art and craft workshops (Warli) and Mardaani khel. You can look forward to folk dance performances, the Puneri dhol fusion band, onsite camping activities like stargazing, trekking and heritage walks that showcase the village life. Foodies have the chance to try traditional Maharashtrian and Konkani dishes, and enjoy chikoo-based milkshake, ice cream, dried chips and mithai. You can also take a look at how fish farming and honeycombing are done.

A basket weaver demonstrates her skill. Pics/Tinaz Nooshian

Despite being close to cities like Mumbai, Nashik, and Surat, the people of this coastal town have well-preserved its tribal lifestyle, history and rich diversity of flora and fauna. The festival aims to draw crowds towards sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.

Phiroza Tafti, convenor of the INTACH chapter of Dahanu that works towards creating awareness about Dahanu’s heritage and culture, says, “Dhakti Dahanu is a village comprising 5,000 families whose primary source of income is fishing and every person in the village has mastery over the fishing skill set. Unfortunately, there is a rise in unnatural fish cultivation and fish farms, which has led to prawn culture and this is harmful to the environment in the long run. The Adivasis or original inhabitants in Palghar district largely comprise the Warli tribe, with members skilled in collecting fresh honey. Thanks to them, cultivating honey has taken a front seat in this region. Due to the robust horticulture practices in the region, bee boxes can be placed in orchards and around fruit trees where bees hover. This helps add a distinct flavour to the honey.”

Phiroza Tafti

Tafti says that her co-Dahanu residents are laid back and like the simple life. Most of them subsist via occupations that the region’s natural biodiversity supports. The Ghaswalas, known for cutting grass, export fodder with the help of the Warlis for their tabelas in Goregaon. The Zoroastrian Irani settlers who made Dahanu and Gholvad their home, own chikoo wadis, keeping this a green and pristine place despite the challenges of rampant urbanisation. “During the olden days, we would be greeted with tongas at the station for a pick and drop ride, such was the primitive state of the region. There were no streetlights until 60-70 years ago,” she tells mid-day.

Dahanu and Golvad make up the heart of the chikoo growing belt of Palghar district. Cultural festivals in Dahanu usually showcase the chikoo or sapota in all its avatars, including as powder to make a quick milkshake

At the festival, you can play games with the locals, pick Warli art in its true original form on canvas pieces, handicrafts, artifacts, coasters, trays and keychains. Tafti tells us, “The famous Tarpa dance is where dancers perform in a spiral because it represents an open circle of life and death. The skill of a Tarpa player is showcased when changing the tune at top speed; a regular dance won’t be able to keep up! To witness the tempo building at every beat is an experience to look forward to. The Mahyavanshi community of basketweavers are known for producing sustainable baskets that are used for agriculture purposes like collecting safed jamuns and chikoos. They will be selling beautiful handicrafts, toplis and other such sustainable items for visitors. You can custom design the pieces on request too.”

Did you know?
>>  Dahanu contributes to more than 35 per cent of the chikoo production in the state 
>>  Historically Dahanu was known as Dhenu Gram—the village of the cows

WHEN: March 12 and 13
WHERE: The Seaview Park, Dahanu beach

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