Pune: The highly anticipated Bhimthadi Jatra returns for its 18th edition, organised by Sunanda Rajendra Pawar. The event promises a vibrant showcase of Maharashtra’s rural artistry, culture, and innovation. Scheduled from December 20th to December 25th, 2024, at the College Of Agriculture Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune, the event continues its tradition of connecting rural artisans and entrepreneurs with urban audiences.
This year, the Jatra pays a heartfelt tribute to Padmashree (Late) Shri Appasaheb Pawar on his 25th Death Anniversary, honouring his groundbreaking contributions to Indian agriculture, including the introduction of drip irrigation.
With an expected attendance of over 1 lakh visitors, Bhimthadi Jatra 2024 is the perfect platform to experience Maharashtra’s rural essence while celebrating sustainability, empowerment, and cultural diversity.
Event Highlights
Appasaheb Pawar Memorial
A dedicated memorial area at the entrance will showcase the life and achievements of Appasaheb Pawar through a timeline display. Positioned before the “Bhimthadi Selects” section, this memorial emphasises the Jatra’s deep connection to rural roots and agricultural innovation.
Farmers’ Produce Section
Highlighting “Residue-Free” products, this section focuses on health and sustainability, avoiding the term “Organic” to ensure clear and transparent communication. There are certain products identified as GI packed products, which will be along with the farm produced products including honey as well.
Bee and Butterfly Conservation Initiative
Inspired by global conservation movements, an Indigenous Plant Garden will be showcased for display purposes to educate visitors on the vital role of bees and butterflies in agriculture, addressing their decline and its impact on biodiversity.
Bhimthadi Select Section
An exclusive area featuring 30 premium stalls, offering:
Sustainable textiles and clothing crafted with natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques.
Handcrafted lifestyle products reflecting India’s rich artisan heritage.
Swayamsiddha Section
Dedicated to self-help groups and women entrepreneurs, this section includes:
Handicrafts like bamboo jewellery, fridge magnets from recycled materials, and clay diyas made by specially-abled children.
Home utility products, including woo in den rolling pins and traditional godhadi/dohar.
FSSAI-certified food products like millet snacks, pumpkin juice, and wood apple barfi.
Telangana Stalls
For the first time, Telangana handlooms and authentic food will enrich the Jatra’s cultural tapestry, offering visitors a broader experience.
Bara Balutedar Section
This unique section highlights the traditional occupational communities of Maharashtra, featuring artisans such as:
Chambhars (cobblers), kumbhars (potters), and mangs (bamboo artisans).
Live demonstrations of rural craftsmanship will immerse visitors in Maharashtra’s village economy.
Food Area
The food section remains a favourite, serving authentic delicacies like:
Malvani seafood thalis, Kolhapuri tambda-pandhra rassa, and sweets such as ukadiche modak and khapri varchi puran poli.
Workshops and Engagements
Saree Draping Workshop: A 1.5-hour session by Ashwini Narayan, designed to make saree draping fun and accessible for younger audiences.
Event Organization by Rural Representatives: This year’s event will be managed by rural individuals, strengthening the connection between rural and urban communities.
Special Initiatives
#ShareYourPrivilege Campaign
This year’s theme encourages urban audiences, especially the younger generation, to embrace cultural diversity and bridge the rural-urban divide.
Empowering Women
Bhimthadi Jatra continues its mission to empower women through stalls featuring handicrafts, textiles, and culinary creations that enable them to contribute to their communities.
Event Details
Dates: December 20th – December 25th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Venue: College of Agricultural Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune
Entry Fee: INR 60/-
