Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation’s (MTDC) initiative to develop ICH-based tourism in Palghar and Nashik is working towards repositioning and repurposing traditional crafts and integrating the same as tourism offerings.
Under this initiative, a souvenir product development workshop focusing on bamboo craft is currently underway in Gholwad, Bordi, Vikramgad, and Jawhar in Palghar district. Over this 15-day workshop, participants are learning to create new and innovative products rooted in local traditions with the help of designers and master craftsmen.
The initiative not only strengthens livelihoods but also celebrates and preserves the region’s rich cultural heritage through sustainable tourism.

#vikramgad #jawhar #gholwad #bordi #mtdc #maharashtratourism #bamboo #bamboocraft #palghar #craft #heritage #culture #indiatourism #maharashtra #dahanu
#intangibleculturalheritage #exploremaharashtra

On 16–17 May, Rajodi Beach in Virar came alive with the energy of the International Surfing Festival, welcoming surfers and visitors from across India and around the world.

Alongside the excitement of the waves, the festival also celebrated the region’s vibrant living heritage through local crafts and artistic traditions. A Warli art workshop and exhibition featuring works by Rajaram Hengadi and Raj Hengadi drew enthusiastic participation from visitors, while bamboo craft showcased by Kanchan Surti and Kirtik Surti received an overwhelming response. The artists are part of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation's (MTDC) initiative focused on developing ICH-based tourism across the districts of Nashik and Palghar.

The festival beautifully brought together sport, culture, and community-led craftsmanship against the scenic backdrop of the sea.

#InternationalSurfingFestival #RajodiBeach #Vasai #SurfCulture #WarliArt #BambooCraft #HandmadeInMaharashtra #IndigenousArt #IntangibleCulturalHeritage #ICHTourism #MTDC #Palghar #Nashik #CultureMeetsSport

On the occasion of International Museum Day, we are delighted to share that Google Arts & Culture has published the exhibit, “Living Heritage Museum of Gholwad.”

This museum is part of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)’s initiative to promote Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)-based experiential tourism across the Palghar and Nashik districts of Maharashtra. The museum celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Palghar along with everyday objects, tools, and artefacts generously contributed by local residents — making it a true reflection of people’s participation, collective memory, and living traditions. More than a museum, it stands as a community-driven space where culture, identity, and local narratives come together to preserve and showcase the region’s heritage for future generations.

Explore the exhibit here: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/fwXBR9kn0KHw7g

Google Arts & Culture Google #worldmuseumday
#GoogleArtsandCulture #communitymuseum #intangibleculturalheritage #Gholwad #MTDC #MaharashtraCulture #ichtourism #palghar #palgharlokitihassangrahalaya

Under MTDC’s initiative to develop ICH-based tourism in Palghar and Nashik, bamboo artists from Gholwad (Dahanu taluka in Palghar) proudly showcased their craft at the Mahalakshmi Saras Exhibition 2026, held at MMRDA Grounds, BKC, Mumbai from May 2 to May 17, 2026.
Artists Yamuna Surti, Jagdish Surti, and Priyanka Surti represented the region’s rich basketry tradition, bringing forward the essence of indigenous craftsmanship to a wider audience.
The exhibition witnessed an overwhelming response, featuring over 500 stalls led by rural women entrepreneurs—making it a vibrant celebration of tradition, skill, and sustainable livelihoods.

#MTDC #ICHTourism #Palghar #Nashik #Basketry #RuralArtists #MahalakshmiSaras #gholwad #palghar #bamboo #exploremaharashtra #intangibleculturalheritage #MaharashtraCulture

Some places are understood not by sight, but by sound — not as performances, but as ways of life.

From forest to festival, tribal music shapes Palghar and Nashik as something to be felt, learned, and shared. Instruments like the Ghangli, Tarpa, and Sambal are part of everyday rhythm — crafted from bamboo, gourds, skin, and beeswax, and played during rituals, dances, and community gatherings.

The Ghangli is a string instrument made from local bamboo and a dried gourd sealed with beeswax, producing a raw, earthy sound rooted in nature.
The Tarpa, crafted from bamboo and dried gourd with a folded bamboo resonator (chong), leads the iconic Tarpa dance and brings entire villages together; in Nashik, a nearly identical instrument called Pawri is used for the Pawri Dance.
The rhythm is anchored by the Sambal, a pair of hand drums with wooden bodies and animal-skin heads that drive movement, memory, and celebration.

As part of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation’s ICH-based tourism initiative in Palghar and Nashik districts, these living traditions are being reimagined as immersive experiences. Cultural travellers, students, and explorers are invited to go beyond sightseeing — to listen closely, try the instruments, learn how they’re made, and understand how music binds communities together. Visitors can see these instruments first-hand at the MTDC Palghar Lok Itihas Sangrahalaya in Gholwad village, Palghar. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QBir2brMbxW8yPpF7?g_st=aw

This is sound you don’t just hear — you step into it.
🎶 Come listen, learn, play, and experience the region’s living soundscape.

#Palghar #Nashik #CulturalTourism #IntangibleCulturalHeritage #TribalMusic #ExperientialTravel #Tarpa #Ghangli #Sambal #Gholwad
#IndianInstruments #TribalMusicalInstruments
#FolkMusicIndia
#CulturalHeritage #IntangibleCulturalHeritage
#MaharashtraCulture #ExploreMaharashtra
#IncredibleIndia #HiddenIndia
#IndigenousCulture #FolkTradition
#RuralTourism