The 'Firefly Festival' has begun with great enthusiasm in the Kalsubai, Bhandardara, and Ghatghar areas on the border of the Nashik-Nagar district. Hundreds of tourists are seen flocking every day to watch the firefly festival. As summer ends, it is felt that the gods of nature themselves have descended on earth in the form of fireflies to welcome the monsoon.
In the Bhandardara-Ghatghar-Mursheth-Kalsubai area, there is a water lily festival during the monsoon, a flower festival in October-November, while a unique world of fireflies descends on thousands of trees at the end of May and in the fortnight of June. Every year, lakhs of fireflies sparkle on special trees like Hirda, Behda, Sadda, Jambhul, Mango, and Umber at the foot of Kalsubai Peak and near Randha Waterfall in the villages of Ghatghar, Uddhavane, Panjre, Mursheth, Mutkhel, Kolhembe, Bhandardara, Chichondi, and Bari.
The firefly festival has started in the Mursheth area, and it seems as if a starry sky has descended to earth with the sparkle of fireflies. This wonderful game of fireflies lasts only for a few days on such select trees.
Strengthening tribal employment and rural economy
Every year, the firefly festival generates a turnover of about Rs 50 to 60 lakhs in the Bhandardara area. Tourists enjoy the festival by eating wild fruits like Jambhul, Amla, Karvande, Mango, etc. This provides employment to the local tribals. The business of hotels, restaurants, home cooking, and tent camping in the area is doing well.
Cultural festival programme
The Maharashtra Tourism Directorate organises a cultural festival for firefly lovers every year. Cultural programmes like Bohada and tribal dance are organised in the Panjre, Gavtha, and Mursheth areas of the Bhandardara forest area. The leaflet says that an exhibition of various items produced and made by the tribals will also be organised.
Appeal to follow the rules
The rules laid down by the Nashik Wildlife Department should be strictly followed in the sanctuary area. Care should be taken to ensure that the breeding season of fireflies is not disturbed. For this, the Tourism Directorate has appealed to avoid bright light and noise.
"Due to the huge influx of tourists for the Firefly Festival, tourists will not be allowed to enter the sanctuary area after 9.30pm. Tourists will not be allowed to roam around the sanctuary area after 10pm. Tourists and their vehicles are being checked at various places," said Rupesh Gavit, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Nashik.
