• Inauguration by Maharashtra Information Technology and Culture Minister Ashishji Shelar and in the presence of Maharashtra Rural Development Minister Hon. Shri. Jayakumar Gore as chief guest
• Festival of 10 lakh women rejuvenated with the help of Man Desi Foundation
Mumbai: The much-awaited and much-talked about “Man Desi Festival 2025”, a festival of authentic Marathi soil organized by Man Desi Foundation, will be held from February 5 at Nare Park in Parel. The inauguration of this festival will be held on Wednesday, February 5 at 4 pm. The program will be inaugurated by Maharashtra Information Technology and Culture Minister Ashishji Shelar and in the presence of Maharashtra Rural Development Minister Hon. Shri. Jayakumar Gore as chief guest. H. T. Parekh Foundation CEO Zia Lalkaka, Aloka Majumdar, Managing Director, Global Head of Philanthropy and Head of Sustainability, India, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India and other dignitaries will also be present at the event. The inauguration ceremony will begin with a Gaji dance. At this ceremony, it will be announced that Mandeshi women have reached the milestone of 10 lakh women empowerment. A Mangalagaur program will also be presented.
On the second day of the festival, the Mandeshi wrestling and boxing championship for girls will be held at 6 pm. A Mandeshi Shetkari Baithak has been organized on Friday, February 7 at 5.30 pm. Famous singer and musician Avadhoot Gupte will present his music Rajni from 7 pm. Famous director Ashutosh Gowariker will be present at this event. The Abhanga performance will start at 7 pm on Saturday, February 8. The closing ceremony will begin at 5 pm on Sunday, February 9.
Mumbaikars are eagerly waiting for this festival, which is a unique blend of rural entrepreneurship, traditional crafts and local culture. The festival is organized at Nare Park in Parel from 5 to 9 February 2025, time – from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm. The festival will feature the food culture of rural Maharashtra, cultural programs, handicraft exhibitions and red soil sports like wrestling, informed Chetna Gala Sinha, President of Maandeshi Foundation.
In 1996, Smt. Chetna Gala Sinha founded Maandeshi Foundation. Chetna Gala Sinha dedicated her life to empowering the women of the area financially by establishing the Maandeshi Mahila Sahakari Bank in Maand area of Satara district. Her achievements were recognized at the global level. Chetna Sinha represented these rural women at the World Economic Forum, which is considered prestigious at the global level. Through the Maan Deshi Foundation, self-employment lessons are given to women. Entrepreneurship development program workshops are organized. Due to these initiatives, thousands of women entrepreneurs of the Maan Deshi Foundation are working as entrepreneurs. The Maan Deshi Festival was started with the aim of providing a market for the products produced by these women. Also, to showcase the culture of the rural areas and enjoy the food culture.
Features of Maan Deshi Festival 2025:
1. Delicious Food Hall: As an attractive feature of the festival, there will be delicious food halls, where guests can enjoy traditional and delicious food of rural Maharashtra. Dishes like Gavraran mutton and bhakri, Thalipeeth, Kolhapuri misal, Maswadi, and Dangi dishes from Silvassa can be tasted.
2. Handicraft Exhibition and Sale: The festival will feature a display of wonderful rural art. Jane and Ghonghari (traditional jewellery making), Kolhapuri Chapla making. People of all ages, especially children, will get to experience making clay pots first-hand.
3. Art Workshops: The festival will feature handicraft workshops where visitors can get training in traditional arts from local women. These workshops will include Warli painting and live jewellery making sessions.
4. Cultural Programmes: To celebrate the rich culture of rural Maharashtra, the festival will feature Gajji dance and wrestling matches. In addition, renowned singer Avadhoot Gupte will add colour to the festival with his music.
5. Farmers’ Market: The festival will feature fresh produce for sale directly from local farmers. Guests will be able to purchase natural and organic products such as ghee, honey, jaggery, pomegranates, and fresh strawberries.
6. Rural Culture Experience: The festival will offer a hands-on experience of rural lifestyle. This will include Nandi bull, Pingala dance, special selfie points will be ready to take great pictures of rural lifestyle and traditions.
7. Women Entrepreneurs Honored: Maan Deshi Mahotsav 2025 will honor 10 lakh women who have been empowered through the initiatives of Maan Deshi Foundation in a representative manner.
Maan Deshi Mahotsav 2025 is not just an event, but a celebration of the strength, creativity and resilience of rural women. This festival provides a unique opportunity for Mumbaikars to connect with rural India, impart cultural lessons to them, and support those women entrepreneurs.
