HOLI

People of Konkan have their own grand style of celebrating Holi. Besides other things, not to be missed is their mouthwatering delicacy- Puranpoli.

Holi is called Shimga or Rangpanchami

 People of Maharashtra - Konkan commonly know this festival of colours by the name of Shimga or Rangpanchami. For, the play of colours is reserved for the fifth day here.
The festival is particularly popular amongst the fisher folk. They celebrate it in on a large scale and revel in the festivities by singing, dancing and merry-making. This special dance provide them means to release all their repressed feelings, needs and desires. People also utter sound through their mouths in a peculiar fashion by striking their mouths with the back of their hands.

Historic significance of Holi in Maharashtra

During the Maratha regime this festival was celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. It was on a Holi festival day that five-year-old Jijabhai, daughter of Lakhooji Jadhav innocently splashed coloured water and threw gulal on young Shahaji, son of Malajirao Bhosale. Taking it as an auspicious event, the two children's engagement was announced that very day. Soon they were married. Later, Jijabhai gave birth to Shivaji, the founder of great Maratha Empire.

Come Enjoy Holi In Guhagar On 18th,19th & 20th March

Book before 10th March and avail Rs. 250/- off per person

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KONKAN AS A TOURIST DESTINATION

Konkan is the coastal part of Maharashtra State and its scenic beauty rivals with that of Goa which is adjacent to Konkan. Because of neglect by Maharashtra State Government for decades, this great beautiful tourist spot was totally ignored by tourists due to lack of facilities, modern amenities and good hotels. This was the reason why Konkan remained the poorest part of Maharashtra State. Now all that has changed. In last 10 years, after realizing the importance of tourism in Konkan, Maharashtra Government finally realized their neglect and started developing Konkan from tourism point of view. And this right step by Government finally had great results to improve the economy of Konkan area as tourists have now started flocking to Konkan area to spend their valuable vacation time.

There is lots of natural beauty in Konkan. Konkan has 720 kilometers of beach and with heavy rainfall of about 300 inches during monsoon of 3 months, it has most beautiful greenery all over the area. Now Konkan is a tourist attraction because of beautiful clean beaches, Coconut and Beetelnut trees, rivers, mountain ranges of Sahyadri, ancient forts (especially Sindhudurg Fort) and good roads. It has very spectacular waterfalls. Almost 40% of Konkan is forest. There are lots of beautiful lakes. Konkan is full of natural beauty.

Agro (village) Tourism is slowly increasing in Konkan. The real culture of Konkan can be enjoyed only in its villages. In the villages you can see the art of pot makers, carpenters, gold smiths, tailors, cobblers, barbers. And by observing these arts, you will get real feel of Konkan. Also in the villages, you can enjoy delicious Konkani food especially various fish preparations which are unique to Konkan. In Konkan, coconut is used in almost every dish, since coconut is abundant in Konkan. There is a thriving flower industry because variety of flowers are grown all across Konkan. Barter system still exists in Konkan even in 21st century. Villagers of Konkan look very happy and contented despite their limited means.

Richness of Indian architecture can be seen in the villages while visiting ancient Temples. Even construction of houses is very unique in Konkan which is designed considering the heavy rainfall. Fishing is a big industry on which Konkan thrives as it has a long coastal area.

Many tourists come to Konkan to fulfill their desire for their adventure tourism. Like doing mountain trekking, motor biking in the forests, river crossing, snorkeling etc. Many come here for visiting religious places, some visit to see the heritage of Konkan area. Some visit for riding in backwaters.

Konkan railway is one of the wonders of modern civil engineering and one has to travel by Konkan Railway to experience its beauty while travelling through innumerable tunnels and scenice mountains. Monsoon (June thru August) is the best time to travel by Konkan Railway although it is bit dangerous beacuse of possible landslides happening during heavy rains.

Konkan is very famous for growing best mangoes in India. Especially, Alphanso (or Happus) Mango is grown very extensively throughout Konkan which brings lots of foreign exchange as large amounts of Mangoes are exported. In India, Mango is considered to be king of all fruits and Alphanso or Happus Mango from Konkan is the king of all different types of mangoes. And there is no doubt about it. I personally love Happus or Alphanso Mangoes. What a delicious taste!

Now who says that one has to visit Europe or USA to see natural beauty. We have Konkan right here in India to enjoy the nature. No need to go out of India to enjoy nature.

Konkan – The Land Of Self Existing Gods.......

The above note is written by Dr. Narasinha Kamath 

Dated: September 7th 2009

http://dr-narasinha-kamath.sulekha.com

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MAHARASHTRA FORTS

Forts are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs. The term is derived from the Latin fortis ("strong") and facere ("to make").
There are nearly 350 forts in Maharashtra, so it is said that forts are the glory of Maharashtra. Most of these forts are associated with the great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is believed that he developed as many as thirteen forts.

Vijaydurg fort is regarded to be the best sea fort developed by Shivaji. Every fort has temple inside that was a powerful inspiration to the Maratha fighters. 510 km away from Mumbai is the famous Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg forts. This twin fort was constructed with the special guidelines from Shivaji. This fort is famous for its serene environmental beauty and its historic importance.

Shivner fort is the fort where Shivaji was born. This fort is nearly about 120 km from Pune. Pratapgad fort reminds the fiery battle fought between Shivaji and Afzal Khan. One must see the 300-year old fine architectural fort of Murud - Janjira fort, Lohagad and Visapur Forts, Harishchandragad Fort, Arnala Fort and Ajinkyatara Fort are ideal for trekking. Adventure lovers must visit these forts.

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FORT MANDANGAD

Mandangad and Bankot were built to safeguard the trade route through Savitri River, which was an important trade route.

It is said that Mandangad was built by King Bhoj. In 1661 it was under Jaswantrao Dalvi, an Adilshahi Sardar. He was the person who had besieged Vishalgad during Shivaji Maharaj’s daring escape from Panhalgad. When Shivaji Maharaj defeated Kartalabkhan and was marching towards Dabhol, Mandangad was on the way. Hearing this news, Jaswantrao ran away to Shringarpur and Shivaji Maharaj got it without a fight. It was with Angres and Siddis for some time. The British captured it in 1818.
There are 2 summits for the mountain on which Mandangad is built. On the higher one there is a water tank. The fortification is seen on the lower and more flat part. The entrance is destroyed, but the bastions stand. The Ganesh temple here is reconstructed. We can see Savitri River, Raigad and Varandha pass on a clear day.

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FORT KARNALA

Its exact date of formation is not known but likely it predates 1400 CE as under the Devagiri Yadavs(1248–1318) and under the Tughlaq rulers(1318–1347), Karnala was the capital of the north Konkan districts of their respective empires. It later fell under the command of the Gujarat Sultanate but in 1540 was taken over by Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar. The Gujarat sultans then requested the help of the Dom Francisco de Menenzes the commanding officer of the Portuguese at Bassien(modern day Vasai) to win it back. He ordered 500 of his soldiers to Karnala fort and they were able to capture it. The fort was left in charge of the Gujarat Sultanate but with Portuguese garrisons.

The loss of Karnala enraged the Nizam Shah and he took back the fort and the surrounding countryside by sending 5,000 of his men. The Gujarat sultans fled to Vasai in panic and gave up any claims of the fort to the Portuguese. In the subsequent battle between the Nizam Shah and the Portuguese, the latter were victorious in repulsing further attacks of the Nizam Shahi army and the fort remained with the Portuguese. However the Portuguese viceroy determined that the forts of Sangli and Karnala were of little value to them and decided to give them to the Nizam Shah for an annual payment of Rs. 17,500(or 5,000 gold pardoas) to further their friendship.
Shivaji conquered it from the Portuguese in 1670 by building breastworks as he advanced. After his death in 1680 it was taken over by Aurangzeb. After this the Mughals occupied it for some time after which it in 1740 with the rise of the Peshwas of Pune it went to them. It remained under the command of killedar (garrison commander) Anantrao until a colonel Prother won the fort and established the rule of the British East India Company there in 1818.
Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the centre of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower. This structure was used as watchtower when the fort was occupied however now it is in a ruined condition. The presence of bee hives also makes it difficult to climb and have resulted in at least one casualty in recent times. There is a water cistern which provides fresh water all year long. From the top the forts of Prabalgad and Rajmachi are clearly visible.
The fort has two inscriptions one in Marathi and the other in Persian. The Marathi inscription which has no date is seen on the lower gate on the inner side. Its words are indecipherable. The Persian writing is on upper gate reads "Syed Nuruddin Muhammad Khan, Hijri, 1147 AH (1735 CE) and probably dates from the Mughal occupation of the fort.

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FORT YESHWANTGAD

 Yashvantgad Fort, on the north entrance of the Rajapur creek, with the sea on the south and a ditch to the north and west, has an area of about seven acres. In 1862, the walls and gates with their seventeen bastions needed repair. There was no garrison, and only twenty-eight old unserviceable guns. [Gov. List of Civil Forts, 1862.] The supply of water and provisions was abundant.

Yeshwantgad is an island fortification off the coast of Maharashtra in Ratnagir, district. It is built on the Rajapur, creek with the sea on one side. On three sides it was protected by a ditch which can no longer be seen. On the fourth side there was a wall with 17 bastions. Now the walls are in a ruined condition. Its gate was on the eastern side. A ship (HMS Outram sank here on the 1st January, 1817 after which a lighthouse at nearby Jaitapur was built. Other than this no notable historical events took place here.

 

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FORT NIVTI

 Nivti Port, in the village of Kochra, six and a half miles south of Malvan and eight north of Vengurla, stands at the mouth of a small creek in rather a striking bay. Rennell (1788) suggested that Nivti was Ptolemy's (150) Nitra and Pliny's (77) Nitrias, ' where the pirates cruized for the Roman ships'. But this is very doubtful, and as far as has been traced, Nivti has never been of importance as a centre of trade. [Rennells Memoir of a Map of Hindustan, 31. Nitra or Nitrias is more commonly identified with the Periplus (247) Naoura and so probably with Honavar (Lassen's Ind. Ant. III. 67). In 1819 its trade was insignificant, Malvan Resident to Gov. 31st May 1819; Revenue Diaries 141 of 1819, 2299.] The average yearly value of trade, for the five years ending 1877-78, was £3167 8s. (Rs. 31,674) of which £2604 16s. (Rs. 26,048) represented exports and £562 12s. (Rs. 5626) imports. [Nairne's MS. Tieffenthaler (Res. Hist et. Geog. I 513) described it (1760) as a very scarped rock strengthened with seven towers. It had a ditch on the land and was inaccessible from the sea.]

Nivti fort, on a very picturesque and well wooded headland about 150 feet high, is a complete ruin. [Nairne's Konkan, 105.] In 1786 it was taken by the Kolhapur troops and soon after restored to Savantvadi. [A wing of the 89th Regiment; 2½ battalions native infantry; 3 troops of native cavalry and artillery. Nairne's Konkan, 127.] In the early years of the present century (1803 and 1810), after being taken and retaken by these rival chiefs, it in the end remained with the Savants. In 1818, when British power was established, the southern villages continued to suffer from the raids of the Savantvadi garrisons of Nivti and Redi. Under Sir W. G. Keir a force [The details were: the head-quarters of the IVth Rifles, crossing the river at Karli, arrived before Nivti. on the 2nd February 1819. On the 3rd the batteries opened and on the following day the fort capitulated and was taken. Service Record of H. M.'s IVth Rifles, 29.] was sent into the Konkan, and on the 4th February 1819 Nivti was invested and given up without resistance. [Gov. List of Civil Forts, 1862.]

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MALVANI DASHAVATAR

Dashavatar is also known as 'Dahikala', From last 600-700 years Dashavatar is a part of our culture.

In Indian mythology the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu is collectively known as Dashavatar. They are Matsya (Fish) Katchha (Turtle), Varaha (Boar), Narsimha (half man half Lion), Waman (A Brahman boy), Parshuram , Rama, Krishna, Buddha & Kalanki.

Dashavatar is Most popular art form in Malvan. Dance ritual dramas are held in most of the temples during festive occasions. interesting characters in these dramas are Apsaras (Heavenly maidens) Their role in woman's attire are played by the men.

Credit of this new art, goes to pioneer Mr. Shymnaikji Kale who introduced Dashavatar in 11th century.
A from called Aatdashavatar is also highly appreciated by the locals. It is presented in two parts. Parts I begins with Ganeshstavan, Saraswatistavan, Brahmin priests entry and killing of Sankasura (Purvarang) while part II is a proper play and includes mythological stories. (Uttarang 0r leelantya)

The first incarnations Matsya Avatar is presented to the audience in the theatre. The myth beginnings with Lord Brahma who is busy in penance. The demon named Sankasura seizes this opportunity to steal his Vedas & Shastras ( the Holy Books). Lord Vishnu who is witness to this incident then promises Brahma of bringing back his Vedas. Vishnu wanders in search Sankasura and when he finds him, fierce battle takes place between them. Sankasura runs from the battlefield and hides under water in a conch shell. As Vedas remained drowned in water, it was necessary to bring them up. To retrieve them Vishnu descends into the water in the form of fish that is lower part of body like fish and upper part like that of a man (A Matsya Avatar) in a Bottle under the Water Vishnu finally defeats Sankasura who surrenders and explains the motive behind stealing of Vedas. That he did so with an intention to pass philosophical knowledge of Vedas from elite people to down –trodden society (Bahojan Samaj) Vishnu appreciated Sankasura's courage and gave him a vow that in the tree worlds (Trailokya), so before worshipping Vishnu people will worship his conch shell. Vishnu then restored the Vedas to Brahma.

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GREAT PEOPLE FROM KONKAN - I

The only flying officer from India in the World War 1 was from Ratnagiri – Dattatraya Laxman Patwardhan- known as D. Lak-man.

The second important officer after Subash Chandra Bose in Azad Hind Sena was Major Jaganthrao Bhonsale from Sindhudurg district.

In the first Kashmir battle in 1947. Captain Rama Raghoba Rane from Sindhudurg district won the ‘Paramveer Chakra’

We should also know that Gen. Arun Kumar Vaidya was from Raigad district.Rear Admiral Karmarkar and Admiral Soman too are from the lands of konkan.

The first achievers in different fields:

1. Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve: First Women University {1916) SNDT.

2. Raghunath Dhondo karve: the son of the above who topped the matric list in 1897, worked as a professor of mathematics upto 1922, then resigned this job and joined the family planning actively started the canvasing from 1921.

3. Bal Shastri Jambhekar: the first news paper in maharashtra, Darpan (1932)

Besides all these there are some other pioneers:

Balamrut -  Mr. Dongre

Dhutpapeshwar -Mr. Puranik

Kailas Jeevan - Mr. Kolhatkar

Vicco - Mr. Pendharkar

AGOM - Mr. Mahajan

Ready made pickles: Bedekar & Kubal

Camlin: Mr. Dandekar

Scents and Perfumes: Mr. S. H. Kelkar

Borosil Glass: Dr. Lele

Kalnirnay Calender: Mr. Jayant Salgaonkar

Swadhyay Family: Mr. Pandurang Shastri Athavale

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MALVANI CUISINE

ONE OF THE VERY NICEST THINGS ABOUT LIFE IS THE WAY WE MUST REGULARLY STOP WHATEVER IT IS WE ARE DOING AND DEVOTE OUR ATTENTION TO EATING.

Malvani cuisine is the standard cuisine of the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Goa and northern parts of West Karnataka. Although Malvani cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian delicacies. Although it is an independent cuisine, it overlaps Maharashtrian cuisine and Goan cuisine. Malvan is a town in the Sindhudurg district on the west coast of Maharashtra.
Malvan being a coastal area in Konkan, it has its own distinct way of cooking food. Malvani cuisine uses coconut liberally in various forms such as grated, dry grated, fried, coconut paste and coconut milk.
Many masalas have dried red chilies and other spices like coriander seeds, peppercorns, cumin, cardamom, ginger, garlic, etc. Some dishes also use kokum, dried kokam (amsul), tamarind, and raw mango (kairi).
However not all of the cuisine is hot and spicy. The 'Konkanastha Brahmin' style of food is quite bland yet very tasty and vegetarian too.
Fish dishes dominate the Malvani cuisine. The fiery seafood curries may be a bit too spicy for some people, but are quite tasty. The Malvani cuisine is very similar to Goan or coastal South Indian cuisine.
Sol Kadhi is a pink colored appetizer drink made from the kokam fruit and Coconut Milk, often drunk after particularly hot and spicy Konkani / Malvani meal as it is very soothing.

Important Dishes

Main course

Kombadi Vade

• Kombdi Vade or Murgh Malvani is a non-vegetarian dish, which is quite popular in Maharashtra. The dish consists of the traditional Malvani chicken curry (including chicken pieces with bones), vade (like a puri, which is a fluffy, fried bread of wheat and nachni flour), onion, lemon and solkadhi.
• Shark curry is a highly popular dish along the Konkan coast.
• Solkadhi or Soul Curry is an energizing curry drink, highly popular in Konkan. It is made from coconut milk and kokam. It is usually served with Kombdi Vade, various fish delicacies and Mutton Malvani.
• Bangda Fry is a popular dish, especially in Mumbai. The head of the Bangda fish is removed and discarded and the other part is fried as a whole.
• Chicken Kolhapuri is a popular dish; although Kolhapur is a different region, it is located in the mountains just above the Konkan region and the two regions are similar culturally. It differs from Murgh Malvani in its curry is red as opposed to the reddish-brown Malvani curry.
• Malvani Mutton Curry is a highly popular dish throughout the Konkan region. It is similar to Murgh Malvani except that the spices are slightly different.

Bombil Fry

• Khavda Curry is an extremely delicious dish made from a local Konkani bird called "Khavda".
• Bombil Fry or Bombay Duck Fry is an immensely popular dish, especially in north Konkan regions such as Mumbai and Raigad.

Phansachi Bhaji

• Paplet Saar is a dish consisting of Pomfret cooked in traditional Malvani fish curry. This dish is especially popular in Mumbai.
• Phanasachi Bhaji is an exotic vegetarian dish, made from Jackfruit, chillies and spices.
• Kaju Chi Aamti is a spicy curry of cajus (cashews). It is a spicy preparation and is savoured by the Malvani populace.
• Fish Koliwada is an appetizer which has its origin in the coastal city of Mumbai and is the traditional dish of the ethnic Mumbaikars, the Kolis.

Ghavan

Breads and cakes

• Dhondas or Cucumber Cake is a baked preparation made from cucumber, rava and jaggery.
• Ghavan is a fried pancake and is especially popular in the Sindhudurg district. Its netted appearance gives it an even more enigmatic feel.
• Khaproli is a sweet dish, highly popular in southern Konkan. The dish consists of a fluffy pancake dipped in yellow sweet juice.
• Tandalachi Bhakri is a Bhakri made of rice flour. It is the Malvani equivalent of the Maharashtrian Jowari Bhakri or Bajri Bhakri, which is popular throughout the Deccan.

Malpua

• Malvani Malpua is a sweet deep-fried delicacy, highly popular in Maharashtra. The dish is especially in big demand during the Islamic holy month of Ramzaan.

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