Kajwa Festival: A Mesmerizing Festival of Light in the Valleys of Sahyadri Mountains in Maharashtra

The monsoon rains in Maharashtra herald the beginning of the fascinating Kajwa Festival, celebrated in the valleys of the Sahyadri mountains.

The trees look like they are decorated with lights due to the hundreds of beetles flashing to attract a mate. Many tourism organizations conduct Kajwa camping and trekking tours to show urban citizens this wonderful phenomenon of nature.

The Flickering of Kajwas is Fascinating

Kajwa, or fireflies, are nocturnal insects that do not have a backbone, i.e., invertebrates. They are active only at night. The male Kajwa’s back emits a flashing light like a lamp. Kajwas play an important role in biological waste decomposition and pollination.

How Do Kajwas Shine?

Light is produced by a chemical process in the insects. This development is biological in nature. Magnesium, oxygen, luciferase, and luciferin undergo a chemical reaction in the stomach of Kajwas to produce light.

Humid Environment Nutrients

The humid environment experienced before the monsoon, i.e., from the second fortnight of May, is conducive for the mating of Kajwas. During this month-long period, lasting till the middle of June, the atmosphere is mainly humid, and the clouds are thick. During these days, Kajwas can be seen in the forests and wilderness of the Western Ghats. At night, the branches of the trees are illuminated by the flickering light from their bellies. Kajwas, which blink rhythmically, are seen during this period. Within a few days after mating, the female lays eggs in the wetland, and the next generation is born.

The Habitat of Kajwas is Under Threat

Kajwas stay mainly on selected trees like Hirda, Behda, Sadda, Jambhul, Mango, and Umbar. However, in recent years, deforestation and increasing human interference have threatened the habitat of Kajwas.

Places of Kajwa Festival

The biggest Kajwa Festival in Maharashtra is held every year in the Bhandardara area. Tourists and nature lovers from different parts participate in the festival. Kajwa festivals are held in the outskirts of tribal villages such as Bhandardara, Panjre, Udadawane, Koltembhe, near Randha waterfall, parts of Bhimashankar, Tamhini sanctuary, and Rajmachi forest area of Paud-Mulshi Lonavla. This year too, the Kajwa Festival has started from last week and will continue until June 15.

ALSO READ | MTDC curated list of 5 breathtaking waterfalls in Maharashtra you must visit this monsoon

The Nuisance of Tourists Increases

Due to the attraction of Kajwas, the number of tourists at the festival is increasing every year. People take cars into the forest to see the Kajwas. Car lights and flashlights shine on trees blooming with Kajwas. They try to get good photos and often create a mess under the trees. This clumsiness causes trouble to Kajwas.

Recently, alcohol parties have started in many places during the festival. Efforts have been initiated by the Forest Department to control the crowd and nuisance of tourists during the festival for the last two years due to continuous follow-up by NGOs and nature lovers. Rules have also been made on how to behave during the festival.

The Kajwa Festival in Maharashtra is a unique and mesmerizing natural phenomenon. However, it is crucial to protect the delicate ecosystem of the fireflies and ensure that tourism does not harm their habitat. By respecting the rules and being mindful of the environment, we can enjoy the beauty of the Kajwa Festival while preserving it for future generations.