When summer melts into monsoon, nature reveals a hidden miracle deep in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. This is when fireflies (kajwe) light up the dense forests like a scene straight out of a fantasy film. I recently experienced this enchanting Firefly Festival, or Kajwa Mahotsav (काजवा महोत्सव), and I’m excited to take you along with me from Panvel to Samrad into the magical world of glowing trees, tribal festivals
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The Journey Begins
On a blazing summer morning, I started my journey from Panvel, heading straight into the Sahyadri mountain range. The ride was hot, but the changing scenery lush greenery, winding roads, and forested trails kept the spirit alive.
By evening, I reached Ambewadi village, where the beautiful Kalsubai range greeted us with its majestic presence. The golden hour light painted the mountains in warm hues it was a sight to behold.
After Ambewadi, we entered a forest trail that led us to the peaceful village of Samrad, accompanied by my friend Namdev.
Night at Ghatghar – Bohada Tribal Celebration
Next, we made our way to Ghatghar village, where we were lucky to witness a vibrant Bohada tribal celebration taking place that very night. The entire village was buzzing with energy, lights, and music an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Bohada Festival is a traditional Adivasi (tribal) cultural event, celebrated by the Kokana, Warli, and Mahadev Koli tribes of Maharashtra. It is known for its dramatic street processions, masked performances, and mythological enactments. Locals dress as characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and tribal deities, wearing beautifully handcrafted wooden masks (Bohada Mukha) that reflect centuries-old storytelling traditions.
As part of the celebration, villagers perform dance dramas (loknatya) with vibrant costumes and rhythmic drumming that echo through the night. The entire experience is deeply spiritual and symbolic, believed to invoke protection and blessings from ancestral spirits.
I wholeheartedly joined in the celebration, wearing local attire, dancing with the villagers, and immersing myself in the stories being brought to life. It was humbling and joyous to be part of something so culturally rich and rooted in indigenous heritage.
After the celebrations, I returned to Samrad at midnight, where the forest had taken on an eerie, magical quietness.
The next morning, we trekked to the serene Umbardara Point, known for its natural beauty and a peaceful dam.
The Main Event: Firefly Festival (Kajwa Mahotsav)
Finally, the moment we were all waiting for the Firefly Festival.
As night fell, we stepped into a dense forest near Samrad, and what we saw left us speechless. Thousands of fireflies lit up the trees, blinking in rhythm like nature’s own Diwali.
Each tree sparkled as if decorated with fairy lights, and the entire forest glowed with a mysterious charm. It genuinely felt like a dream, a movie-like scene playing out in real life. There were no words just wonder.
The Kajwa Mahotsav is celebrated in late May to early June in regions like Samrad, Ghatghar and Bhandardara, just before the monsoon. This is when fireflies (Lampyridae) bioluminescent insects gather in dense forests to mate.
Their synchronised blinking is a mating ritual, and during this time, they light up the trees like nature’s own celebration. This natural event lasts for only a few weeks and is best experienced just before heavy rains begin.
If you’re a nature lover, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Final Thoughts
The Firefly Festival in Sahyadri was nothing short of a spiritual experience blending nature, culture, and adventure in one unforgettable journey. From riding through forests, dancing with tribes, to standing awestruck in glowing woods I lived moments I’ll cherish forever.
If you’re someone who chases offbeat experiences, put Kajwa Mahotsav on your bucket list right now.
Want to explore more hidden gems around this region? Check out our guide to nearby lakes and waterfalls:
