An enchanting journey to coastal Maharashtra at the Dahanu Festival 2.0, set to captivate visitors from February 23rd to 25th. Located at the picturesque Sea View Park on Dahanu Beach, this three-day extravaganza delivered a delightful blend of tradition, adventure, and local charm.

Organized collaboratively by the Government of Maharashtra, local government bodies, and the Dahanu Municipal Council, the festival aimed to showcase the region's rich cultural heritage and promote local entrepreneurship. Free to attend, the event kicked off with a grand inauguration featuring electrifying performances by the Hindughosh Dhol Pathak.

Throughout the festival, attendees immersed themselves in a plethora of activities, from engaging workshops on pottery and painting to captivating art displays and exhibitions. Thrill-seekers found excitement in water and aero sports, while horse beach racing added an exhilarating touch to the festivities.

Beyond the main venue, off-site activities like star gazing, farm visits, and night camping offered a well-rounded experience for all participants. With over 130 shopping and food stalls, visitors indulged in local delicacies and shopped for unique souvenirs.

“Dahanu's potential as a beach tourism destination is at par with the best locations in India,” remarked Mr. Vaibhav Aware, Chief Officer of Dahanu Nagar Parishad. “The Dahanu festival aims to promote our beach tourism infrastructure and invite visitors from all over India and abroad to come and explore local culture, art, and craft. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Dahanu is ideal for those looking to unwind. For adventure or water sports lovers, we offer activities like aero sports, water sports,and horse riding on the beachto get a first-hand experience of the coastal rural lifestyle in Maharashtra. With each new addition, we are witnessing greater awareness about Dahanu, and we thank everyone who visited us for Dahanu 2.0.”

Accessible by road and rail from major cities like Mumbai, Surat, and Nashik, Dahanu offered a convenient escape for travelers seeking a weekend getaway or a relaxed staycation. Local accommodations and restaurants were readily available, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience for all.

As Abhijit Deshmukh, Tehsildar of Dahanu, emphasized, “The fantastic response to this year’s Dahanu festival has been quite encouraging for us. We continuously focus on making our beautiful town a sought-after tourism destination, not just for the tourists from Mumbai or nearby areas of Gujarat, but for travelers from all over India and other countries. Dahanu 2.0 has surpassed the past records, and we look forward to seeing an even bigger turnout at next year’s festival!”