Maharashtra’s Koyna Backwater Festival 2026 is set to become grander, more attractive and world-class in scale, in line with directions given by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai expressed confidence that the festival, which brings together natural beauty, adventure tourism and local culture, would give the state’s tourism sector a renewed identity.
Desai’s remarks came during a review meeting on the festival held at the government residence Meghdoot. The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism Sanjay Khandare, former Directorate of Tourism Director Mangesh Joshi, newly appointed Director Vikas Pansare, Deputy Secretary Santosh Rokade, and senior representatives from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, including General Manager Chandrashekhar Jaiswal and CEO Jitendra Sonawane. Additional officials, including the Collector of Satara, the Deputy Conservator of Forests of Satara and the Sub-Divisional Officer of Wai-Mahabaleshwar, joined the discussion via video conferencing.
During the meeting, officials reviewed last year’s edition of the festival in detail before discussing measures to make the upcoming edition more memorable. Key discussion points included improving the execution of tent accommodations, water sports, laser and drone shows, houseboating, cultural programmes and the food festival. Officials were also directed to install digital screens at multiple locations to strengthen the branding of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.
To help elevate the Koyna Backwater Festival to international standing, officials were instructed to introduce new attractions including a carnival festival, a floating market, horse riding, helicopter rides, a kite festival, a special heritage tour of historic sites, and yoga sessions. Officials were further directed to implement all necessary measures to attract tourists from both India and abroad, with the festival scheduled to take place between Christmas and New Year, backed by careful planning and strong organisational enthusiasm.