A small quaint village in Maharashtra comes to light on the nights before monsoon. Thousands of fireflies do the mating dance, and sprinkle the night with magical lights.
The dusty roads wind to a small habitation, nestled between hillocks. The summer has left the village bathed with dust. And the balmy breeze blows through, signalling that the monsoon is just around the corner. While you wait for the monsoon, and the different trips that you plan in the rain, this is the perfect time to visit Purushwadi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
This is probably the most romantic form of mating. Scientists don’t yet know how this winged beetle regulates its lighting pattern. The bioluminescence comes from the combining of oxygen with a substance called luciferin, in cells under the bug’s abdomen. There are about 2,000 firefly species, and each has its own Morse code of light to attract mates. An interested female flashes back from her low perch as the male flits overhead.
Image Credit: armchairlounge
This dance of light leaves entire bushes and forest patches twinkling under the night sky. If you are really quiet and patient, you can walk around in the surrounding forests to see this magical wonder up close. The most patient can even have fireflies landing on their palms, and twinkling their lights on you.
Image Credit: traveltriangle
Purushwadi is home to the Hindu Mahadeo Koli tribe, who are rice cultivators and herdsmen, in a matriarchal society that is believed to be protected by local goddess Zakubai. A few thatched huts with tethered cows and unfettered goats dot winding, tree-lined paths. Visitors can try their hand at ploughing and chopping wood, and share simple meals at the villagers’ homes.
Image Credit: midday
You can even try camping here if you want to enjoy the mystical natural wonders at close proximity. But avoid making bon fires as the nights are warm enough, and fireflies avoid lighted areas.
You can arrive at Purushwadi from Kasara, which is connected by rail to Pune and Mumbai. From Kasara, you can take a jeep to the village or take a bus to Rajpur. The first fortnight of June is the best time to see the fireflies at the peak of their activities.
So, visit Purushwadi for some amazing magical light show by the fireflies.
Read Also: Experience The Arabian Nights At This Secret Hamlet In Rajasthan
