Koyna Daulat Dongri Festival draws over 2 lakh visitors, boosting Satara’s tourism appeal
/A large-scale rural tourism event that brought together culture, adventure, and community participation in the Sahyadris.
The Koyna Daulat Dongri Festival 2026 successfully concluded on April 9, with a remarkable turnout of more than 2 lakh visitors, solidifying its reputation as one of the most sought-after rural tourism projects in Maharashtra. The three days added to the schedule, announced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, on April 6, were instrumental in attracting more visitors to the festival.
A collaborative effort across departments
Organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the District Administration, Satara, and the Regional Tourism Directorate, Pune, the festival witnessed consistently high participation throughout its duration. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Sahyadri mountain range, the festival showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and strong community spirit.
Government focus on expanding tourism potential
During his visit, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from the masses and reaffirmed the government’s intention to promote Satara as a significant tourist spot both nationally and internationally. Drawing inspiration from the event’s success, Shinde announced his intention to organise the Koyna Backwater Festival during the upcoming winter season, aiming to take it to the global level.
Tourism-led development and cultural integration
On the concluding day, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai noted that the festival brought together the Sahyadris’ natural beauty, cultural richness, and rural life into a cohesive experience, while supporting livelihoods, eco-tourism, and traditional art forms. He described the event as a success, thanked the organisers, and confirmed its return next year with an expanded programme.
Key dignitaries in attendance
Among those who graced the festival with their presence were Dr B. N. Patil (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, Neelesh Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Santosh Patil (IAS), District Collector of Satara, Yashni Nagarajan (IAS), CEO of Zilla Parishad (Satara), Dr Vaishali Kadukar, In-Charge Superintendent of Police, Raviraj Desai, President of Morna Education Institution, and Yashraj Desai, Chairman of Loknete Balasaheb Desai Co-operative Sugar Factory, among others.
A mix of adventure, culture and community
Blending culture with adventure, the festival featured activities such as boating, jet water sports, paragliding, horseback and camel rides, and electric buggy rides. Boating and jet sports alone attracted over 13,000 visitors, highlighting strong public interest. The event also included agricultural and livestock exhibitions, food festivals, and initiatives by women’s self-help groups, drawing visitors from across Maharashtra.
Entertainment and knowledge-led experiences
Signature events like drone and laser shows and musical fountains drew strong appreciation, while an agricultural showcase highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence in modern farming. Cultural programmes, including traditional performances, devotional music, band showcases, and folk acts, along with live shows and musical evenings, sustained a festive atmosphere throughout.
Infrastructure and regional development initiatives
During the festival, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, also inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including the Sangwad Bridge over the Koyna River, the Late Shivajirao Desai Memorial Hall, and the Shivajirao Daulat Stadium at Daulatnagar, marking a significant boost to regional development.
