5 Reasons Why Kolhapur Is More than Just Its Famous Kolhapuri Chappals

Located on the banks of the Panchaganga River in Maharashtra, Kolhapur welcomes you to witness the charming blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. The moment the name Kolhapur rings in our ears, the first thing that strikes our mind are the beautiful Kolhapuri Chappals (their signature footwear), isn’t it? However, you’ll be delighted to know that Kolhapur offers much more! Read on to know why Kolhapur is an exciting offbeat holiday destination for both families as well as solo travellers. 

Kolhapuri Cuisine

Spicy and rich in traditional flavours, Kolhapuri cuisine offers a plethora of options for those looking to dig into delicious food during their vacation. The Kolhapuri cuisine treats you to both veg and non-veg signature delicacies.  

Gorge on the lip-smacking Mutton Masala from Opal Restaurant, Kolhapuri Misal from Vijay Misal Pav, the tangy Bhel Puri from Kaav Galli and Loni/sponge dosa with potato masala in Rajarampuri. If in a hurry, you can grab a non-veg thali from any restaurant in the city for a scrumptious and mouthwatering meal. To quench your thirst, look no further thanthe tempting Tambda pandara rassa,

Kolhapuri Laavni (dance form) and Kolhapuri Nauwari Saree

Laavni is a popular and beautiful dance form of Maharashtra, which is performed on the beats of Dholki and can be termed as the folk dance of Kolhapur. Taking the visual delight to the next level, the laavni dancers perform it while clad in the gorgeous and vibrant Kolhapuri Nauwari Sarees, with their hair and make-up done in a traditional way. The fast-paced yet graceful steps are a treat to watch, and you shouldn’t miss it if you are in the city or around.

The Kolhapuri Nauwari Saree is equally famous globally and its popularity has propelled due to Bollywood celebrities flaunting them on the big screen.  You can always grab one from the markets in the city.

Kolhapuri Mardani Khel and Dangal

Apart from Kolhapuri Chappals, Kolhapuri Mardani Khel and Dangal are also extremely popular attractions in Kolhapur.  Mardani Khel is a form of Indian Martial Arts performed using light weapons like swords and sticks whereas Dangal is a form of sand wrestling.

When visiting the city, you should catch inspirational girls and women practicing the art on the ghats of Panchganga River. There are about 12 organisations and taleems in Kolhapur where 1500 students enroll themselves every year.

Kolhapur has a long legacy of Dangal or Khushti, in fact, Kolhapur has the biggest wrestling stadium in India known as Khasbag Maidan. You can plan to watch a match here with thousands of people cheering for the sport and witness the the “Desi” action at the akharas (or taleems).

Read More: 8 Fantastic Road Trips You Must Take from Mumbai

Kolhapuri Turban or Pheta

A speciality of Kolhapur, Kolhapuri Turban or Pheta is a huge rage in the city and other parts of Maharashtra, and is worn during religious festivities and weddings.  Deeply engraved in the Marathi culture, pheta’s cloth runs from 3.5 to 6 metres in length and 1 metre in width, making the turbaned look uber cool. Even though it comes in different colours, Pheta is usually worn in shades of saffron and red. Buy phetas as souvenirs for your friends and family members from any of the nearby markets, or pick one for yourself. 

Marathi Cinema

From the first indigenously developed camera in 1915-18 to the first notable Marathi historical film Sairandhri in 1920 – Kolhapur has come a long way in shaping the ever-growing Marathi cinema Also, the city is considered as the birthplace of Indian cinema by many. Even though Hindi film industry gradually took over, Marathi cinema has been able to preserve its charm. Kolhapur also organises the Kolhapur International Film Festival every year where you can enjoy the best of Marathi cinema.

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