Kolhapur Entertainment
Kolhapur Entertainment
“Art is basically entertainment …………………...” - Yasumati Morumara
The quote above beautifully summarizes that art in any form is a means of entertainment, a way of resetting your day-to-day mundane routine life. In the 21st century, when we all have goals to achieve, money to make, and milestones to reach, from time to time, we need a pause so we can rejuvenate ourselves and again go back to the path we are leading.
While each city has its own associated ways of entertainment inherited from the culture of the city, Kolhapur is also a city, blessed with nature’s beautiful treasure and loaded with a legacy of cultural heritage. It has a lot to offer in its own legacy and the further rise of the economy in the city has led to the creation of many modern sources of entertainment as well. Now there are a number of theatres, water parks, malls and food joints to go and enjoy with the family.
For locals as well as tourists, Kolhapur has a number of entertaining things to offer. Some of the major entertainment gigs in the city are :
Wrestling
Wrestling is a legacy given to the city by Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj. Shahu Ji himself loved the sport of wrestling and hence in Kolhapur, they got ‘Khasbaug’ ground created especially for wresting. A large number of wrestlers from across the country visit Kolhapur since Shahu Maharaj’s reign. The ground still hosts many wrestling competitions and inspires many young people to opt for this career. These wrestling matches are great local sources of entertainment in the city.
Lavani And Powada
These two are local dance and singing forms respectively and very popular in Kolhapur. Lavani is a dance performed only by ladies dressed in beautiful Marathi “Navari Sarees” and what a joy it is to watch them. During the Maratha empire, the kings and Maharajas used to entertain themselves with this form of dance and still many stage shows happen across Kolhapur to showcase the folk dance form. Gradually Lavani has become popular across the whole country now and is being embraced by other parts of the country also.
‘Hatkanangale’ Exhibition
Kolhapur’s wildlife is very rich. This can be witnessed during the animal exhibition of ‘Hatkanangale’. In this exhibition, local species of Kolhapur is also displayed for visitors. This is possibly the best thing that can be delivered to an animal lover. One can witness many rare species which are rare to the particular region in this exhibition. Even the farmers look forward to such kinds of exhibitions in order to witness the wildlife treasure of their region. People provide food and water to the animals which are suitable for them during these exhibitions and enjoy being in the company of these animals.
‘Kirnotsav’ At Mahalaxmi Festival
‘Kirnotsav’ is celebrated twice a year once from Jan31st- 2ndFeb and again from Nov 9 to Nov 11. During these six days, the sun raise falls directly on the Mahalaxmi idol from ‘Garud Mandap’. On day one the sun rays touch the idol’s feet, the next day stomach and the third day the rays fall on the face. People wait for this magnificent site all year and once the auspicious days ring in, they celebrate by burning crackers, dancing, and making merry.
Film City Of Kolhapur
Kolhapur is the hub for the Marathi film industry and it has given many credible artists to the industry including V Shantaram and Baburao Painter. Many Marathi film festivals are also organized in the city every year. The Jaiprabha studio in the film city has filmed many movies that are all-time famous. The government is planning to develop a film museum at this place to give a more wide range of options for the visitors of Kolhapur.
Shopping Hubs
The Gujari area is famous for gold and silver ornaments, the traditional Kolhapur jewelry famous across the world whereas the Chappal line Is famous for a wide range of footwear popularly known as Kolhapuri Chappal.
Historical Monuments
Shivraj fort, Panhala fort, Samangad fort, etc attract people from all over the world to witness the historical valor of the ruling dynasties of Kolhapur. Important places like Nesari, Mauni university, Pawankhind, Shiva Kashid Samadhi Chitranagari, etc unfolds the history of Kolhapur. Plateau Masai, Morjai valley, Nadi ghat, Chakul waterfalls, Walivade camp, Greenhouse, Rajputwadi, etc are some must-visit places of Kolhapur.
Modern Entertainment Joints
Apart from the above local and historical ways of entertainment, over a period of time, modern joints of entertainment are building every day. There are many water parks in Kolhapur now such as Dream fun waterpark, ShivTeja waterpark, and Gandharv resorts.
The mall culture is also rapidly increasing and new malls are opening every now and then which have multiplexes as well as shopping brands for the entrainment of the locals. The agro mall at Chandgad Is a repository of Large varieties of rice, vegetables, nuts, etc. All these items are sold in the agro mall. It is one of the attractions for all organic food lovers.
