The Koyna Daulat Dongri Festival concluded on April 9 with a turnout of over 2 lakh visitors, reinforcing its position as one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing rural tourism initiatives.
Organised by the Department of Tourism Maharashtra in collaboration with the Satara district administration and regional tourism authorities, the festival saw sustained footfall throughout its duration. The addition of three extra days, announced by Eknath Shinde on April 6, significantly boosted visitor numbers.
Held in the scenic Sahyadri region, the festival showcased a blend of local culture, eco-tourism, and community participation. Addressing the gathering, Shinde highlighted the government’s focus on positioning Satara as a key tourism destination and announced plans to introduce a Koyna Backwater Festival during the winter season.
Shambhuraj Desai said the event successfully integrated natural beauty, rural life, and cultural heritage while supporting local livelihoods and traditional art forms. He confirmed that the festival will return next year with an expanded format.
The festival featured a mix of adventure and cultural activities, including boating, jet water sports, paragliding, and traditional performances. Boating and water-based activities alone attracted over 13,000 participants. Food festivals, agricultural exhibitions, and initiatives by women’s self-help groups also saw strong engagement.
Entertainment elements such as drone and laser shows, musical fountains, and live cultural performances added to the visitor experience, while an agriculture showcase highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence in modern farming.
On the sidelines of the event, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including a bridge over the Koyna River and public facilities, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
