Gear up everyone as Maharashtra Din is just around the corner. A day to celebrate Maharashtra, the food, the culture and its rich heritage! Hence we are here with a super Marathi to-do list for this Maharashtra Din that falls on 1st May every year. It is going to be one long weekend and you can plan your Marathi food, shopping, adventure and entertainment experiences at these places.
1 Buy yourself a Kolhapuri Chappal: Maharashtra’s iconic footwear ‘Kolhapuri Chappal’ has made its mark over the whole world. In Pune, you can visit Kala Chappals on Laxmi Road to buy varieties of original Kolhapuri Chappals. The oldest brand from Kolhapur ‘Abhyankar Chappal’ is also available at Classic Shoes in Shanivar Peth near Ahilyadevi high school.
Kala Chappal–
Address: 614 /615 , Opp Huzurpaga School, Next to Apte Kanade Jewellers, Nagarkar Talim, Laxmi Road.
Contact: 9970727007
Classic Shoes–
Address: Namdeo Raut Path, Hasabnis Bakhal, Shaniwar Peth
Contact: 8308959499
2 Shop for NAUVARI and KHUNN SAREE: The renowned attire of Maharashtra is its Nauvari Saree. Maharashtrian look cannot be justified without this 9 yard drape. You can shop nauvari saree at Pune’s oldest saree shop, Gagalbhai Hathibhai since the 18th century! Not just nauvari but other Maharashtrian sarees like Khunn saree collection at Sangam Saree Emporium on Bajirao Road is also quite impressive.
Gagalbhai Hathibhai–
Address: 585, Road, Kapad Ganj, Raviwar Peth
Contact: 020 24476341
Sangam Saree–
Address: 1361, Bajirao Road, Sadashiv Peth
Contact: 9922299813
3 Get a Pheta or a Pagdi: Wearing a Pagdi or Pheta has been a sign of a scholar and a matter of pride for Marathas. The tradition is still alive in a small way in remote villages. Why not sport a Pheta or a Pagdi this Maharashtra Day and flaunt your original Marathi fashion! Murudkar Zendewale (est.1938) in Budhwar Peth is one stop shop for all varieties of phetas, pagdis and many more unique headgears! Their colourful collection of Maharashtrian headgears will drive you crazy.
Murudkar Zendewale & Fetewale–
Address: 795, NC Kelkar Road, near Pasodya Maruti temple, Budhwar Peth
Contact: 9850001753
4 Marathi Dagine & Nath:Maharashtrian Jewellery has always been known for its unique identity. From Nath to Thushi to BajuBanda, everything has its own story. Kalakruti by Neha Gogate is a homegrown business in Pune. They have a variety of handmade Maharashtrian jewellery made from traditional fabrics like Paithani and Khunn. Jewellery pieces such as Royal Haar, Bajubanda are a must have for Marathi ladies.
Arham Nath King in Raviwar Peth is an exclusive store in Pune selling varieties of typical Maharashtrian Nath. It is a piece of jewellery that completes the Maharashtrian look. From gold to silver, all Nath options are displayed at this unique shop dedicated to Nath!
Kalakruti by Neha Gogate–
Contact: 9975330536
Arham Nath King–
Address: 729, Near Sant Ramds Chowk, Raviwar Peth
Contact: 7218181818
5 Treat Yourself With Marathi Jevan: After lots of shopping a hearty meal is a must! To relish some of the best authentic Maharashtrian vegetarian dishes or a Thali, Saandan in Rambaug Colony, Kothrud or Poona Guest House on Laxmi Road is a must. At both these restaurants, you get typical Maharashtrian delicacies such as Alu Wadi, Puran Poli, Patwadi, Kaju Usal and so much more to be explored!
For Non-veg lovers, Pune 33 at Dange Chowk is a new restaurant with a wada-like ambiance. Hardcore Marathi non vegetarian preparations such as Mutton or Chicken Kharda, Malvani Fish Curry, Tambda-Pandhra Rassa, Kala Masala Mutton, Alni Bhaat etc. are appreciated here.
Saandan Restaurant–
Address: Off Paud Road, above Digambar Hall, Rambaug Colony, Kothrud
Contact: 7620289680
Poona Guest House–
Address: 100, Laxmi Road, Ganapati Chowk, New Nana Peth, Budhwar Peth
Contact: 020-24455679
Pune 33 Restaurant–
Address: Dange Chowk Rd, near Dange Empire, above The Regent Restaurant, Jai Hind nagar, Thergaon
Contact: 7620289680
6 Go Trekking at Shivaji Maharaj’s Forts: An integral part of Maharashtrian history are the legendary forts of Sahyadri Ranges built by the Maratha Empire in the 16th century. Experience the beauty and serenity hidden in these Sahyadri ranges by trekking and hiking. Not just treks but experiencing the rural culture around these forts as well. Forts around Pune that you can visit are Shivneri Fort, Rajgad Fort or Torna Fort. These treks are beginners to moderate level. The best way to start the trek is at 4am or 5am so that you don’t have to climb in this harsh heat!
7 Treat Your Kid With Rich Marathi Theatre: For ages, theatre has been a crucial part of Marathi culture. On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, you’ll get to relive your old days by attending the play ‘BOKYA SATBANDE’. A legendary comic character written by Dilip Prabhavalkar, which made its mark even before Marvel’s Avengers! For sure you don’t want to miss out on this play filled with comedy and drama. The play is directed by Vikram Patil & Pranav Joshi. This legendary Marathi Natak makes its return to theatres this Maharashtra Din with 2 shows in one day! Book your tickets today!
Venue: Bharat Natya Mandir and Tilak Smarak. (more details on bookmyshow)
Bharat Natya Sanshoodan Mandir–
Address: 1324, Bharat Natya Mandir, near SBI bank, Perugate, Sadashiv Peth
Contact: 9420546398
Tilak Smarak Mandir Pune–
Address: 1651, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Rd, Lokamanya Nagar, Sadashiv Peth
Contact: 020-24334004
This is our list of things-to-do this 1st May! Tell us in the comments what you’ll be doing out of this to celebrate Maharashtra Day!
