Places To Visit

Bhavani Mandap - This palace is behind Mahalaxmi Mandir. This palace was built around 200 years ago and it was the royal residence. in the year 1813 it was partly destroyed in a fire. later on it was  reconstructed. This palace has old fashioned architecture and it is huge in size and strong in construction.

Shri Chhatrapati got this Bhavani temple built for members of his family. This temple and its surrounding area is proof  of the royal wealth. Shri Chhatrapati used to conduct his Dasera Court in this temple. A beautiful idol of Goddess Bhavani can be seen in Bhavani chowk.

Khasbaug Stadium, Kolhapur :- One more attraction the city of Kolhapur can offer the tourists. many great wrestlers of India have shown their wrestling skills in this stadium. The art of wrestling developed during the life time Shri Shahu Maharaj as he used to love this art very much. He converted this Khasbaug maidaninto proper stadium. This stadium has capacity to accommodate 20,000 people.

Siddhagiri Museum :- A unique project, perhaps the only project in India situated at Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, Kaneri, Tal. Karveer, Dist. Kolhapur. The place is near Kolhapur city on Pune Banglore Highway. Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math has a history of more than 1000 years, and is a holy place of worship of Lord Mahadeva. The surrounding around the museum is very calm and quiet, a hilly place with a good collection of Flora and Fauna.

The main objective of the Project is to refresh the history of self sufficient village life before the invasion of Mughals in Maharashtra. There were 12 BALUTEDARS (12 main profession based casts i.e. Professions performed by generation by family members) and 18 ALUTEDARS, who provided equipments to all villagers useful in their day-to-day necessities of domestic as well as Agricultural life.

The first phase of the museum spans over 7 Acres of area with almost 80 main scenes and around 300 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme which Swamiji very keenly arranged each and every scene to make a proper visual story. In the total cluster the village demonstrate a self sufficient machinery within village. Barter economy, Interpersonal healthy happy relationship among villagers is reflected. The Museum projects the entire village as a single family, and as single family members in a joint family. No adulteration, no cut thought practice, no mad Rat Race, No pollution, but Caring, and delightful atmosphere, no bitter feeling, but fertile land, clean water, clean air, quality food, maximum use of natural resources, cattle field, livestock, job satisfaction. All these things are reflecting the beauty, Joy, satisfaction of human race and oneness with nature. It advises us to get back to nature, without disturbing the equilibrium of nature and many other things which are beyond our imagination.

 

This holy centre is situated about 10 kms away from Kolhapur known as 'Dakshinkaashi' where the famous 'Mahalaxmi Temple' is located. It is 4 kms away from 'Pune-Banglore' highway which is national express highway no.4. Railway system is another facility for communication. There is an airport located nearby 'Ujalaiwadi' – 9 km away from Kolhapur.

Kolhapuri Saaz

Kolhpuri Saaz (Jwellary) :- 

                                          Every The Kolhapuri Saaj is famous ornament worn by Kolhapuri Women since long. This artistically made jewellery due to its specific design and pattern looks tremendously beautiful which adds to the glory to the person wearing it. The saaj being so famous there are many Marathi Movie Songs about it. The jewelers at Gujri Market design and make these ornament.

 

Kolhapuri Pheta :- 
                         Turban is a specialty in Kolhapur. Wearing a turban is high respect.It is a customary honor to guest who comes from other place is welcomed by the offering him to wear the traditional turban. Actually the turban is a long cloth off 3.5 to 6 meters. It is the specific Saffron color is most choice for Kolhapuri turbans. Except this many other varieties are also. Some of lined varieties of the turban are called as Lahiri Feta. In previous period it was customary. Forefathers from many families where using turban in their costume. And it was a part of the Male costume. Wearing turban is an art. Turban is plane cloth had majored by width 1 metre x 4 metres in lenth. It is folded in six or seven folds in width after which an end of one-fourth meter is given as tail which is known as Shemala. This part of tail blows on air while riding on vehicle especially to Wheeler. The style of the heroes is recorded in many Marathi Cinema. The turban is wrapped on Head with a special style. Last tend of turban is portion of Michael. It decorates leading personality so it is the custom that many family ceremonials are insisted fit us. Muscular bodied wrestlers wearing a special and Festival clothes are decorative road streams is a heritage of City.Except this during festivals as like Dasara, Diwali & Padwa, use of the turban is a common trend.

Kolhapuri Chappal :-
                            Kolhapuri chappals are world famous. Known as "Pie-taan" in local language specially made from leather which is processed in local areas, cobbler community traditionally prepares these chappals.There are three major varieties of Kolhapuri chappals. First type is made in Kolhapur. Other types are Kapashi and Dongari. These chappals are stout, sturdy, day long usable. These are very popular in rural areas.The chappal is  completely made from processed leather. Buffalo leather is used for chappals. Some other qualities of Kolhapuri chappals are also available: but these are fashionable varieties. Upper part of shoe is made by attractive processed leather. But lower part i.e sole is made from rubber sheets. This type of chappal is given to customers as Kolhapuri chappals is not actual Kolhapuri chappal. In surrounded area of Kolhapur many cobblers make chappals.

Calender Of Events

JANUARY - MARCH

• Shree Mahalakshmi Kiranotsava - A very unique and distinct  astronomical phenomenon in which the evening sun-rays directly enter the temple and touch the holy feet of Goddess Mahalakshmi and then rise upwards as the sun sets, illuminating the whole of Goddess Mahalakshmi. 

• Kolhapur Rankala Mahotsava - Rankala Festival is an event marked by stage performances by renowned artists and various  events & shows showcasing the art & talent on the lawns near Rankala lake arranged by kolhapur municipal corporation. 

• Gudi padava – On this day, Maharashtrians hang 'Gudis' outside the windows of their homes. They signify the victory of Maratha War fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji. They are displayed to thwart off evils. A 'gudi' is a pole on top with a kalash (brass or silver pot) hung upside down. It is covered with colorful silk cloth and decorated with coconuts, marigolds and mango leaves. This day is treated as an auspicious day( Muhurat), when people purchase gold or any other commodity. 

• Jyotiba yatra – A holy fair of lord Jyotiba on the hills near Panhala,. Thousands of people  pay homage to the lord on the auspicious day marked by traditional ritual of getting the “Shasan Katti” all the way from their villages and hurling of Gulal all over as a shower of blessings.

APRIL - JUNE

• Holi – Huge bonfires are sparked with logs of wood, basketful of cow dung cakes, ghee and honey. When the flames are burning bright, people walk and dance around the bonfire to pray to the God of Fire. Which is followed by Rangpanchmi about a week in Maharashtra. It is a festival of good harvest and fertility of land. It marks the arrival of arrival of spring where mirth and buoyancy is evident all round.
• Rangpanchmi- Better known as festival of colours, celebrated by hurling colours to one another , as a symbol of spreading unity & fraternity among all religions .