How the exquisite Diwali ritual of Kila creation was inspired by Pune forts
There were hundreds of forts all over Maharashtra, and no doubt they became part of the culture and heritage of the region. It is this heritage that the city of Pune has tried to keep afloat. We’re referring to Pune’s long-standing custom of constructing mud forts. Every Diwali, the Punekars come together to build mud forts, a tradition that has lasted for over 300 years now. Known locally as Kila Making, this tradition once upon a time was a big deal. Every household and locality made miniature mud forts as part of the Diwali celebration.
Visit, us for: India Visa from Pakistan
We’re always on the lookout for interesting stories about people and places, stories that inspire travel, and experiences we can take part in. One such story hunt brought us to the charming city of Pune.
Pune, the cultural and educational capital of Maharashtra, is one of India’s most beloved cities. Could this be the adventurous side of town? Cool-weather? Or the fact that the city was the ancient seat of the Maratha Empire? We like to think it’s the mix of everything and more.
It is important to include the relationship between Pune and its forts when talking about the city. The hill and sea forts of Pune and neighboring regions were the strength of the great Maratha empire, while forts like Torna, Sinhagad, Lohagad, Pratapgad, Ajinkyatara, Raigad, and Shivneri reinforced the chains of Sahyadri, Janjira, Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg looked after the navy side.
Must Read: Detailed information on Indian visas granted
There were hundreds of forts all over Maharashtra just like these forts, and no doubt they became an integral part of the culture and heritage of the region.
It is this heritage that the city of Pune has tried to keep afloat. We’re referring to Pune’s lengthy practice of creating mud forts. Every Diwali, the Punekars come together to build mud forts, a tradition that has lasted for over 300 years now.
Known locally as Kila Making, this tradition once upon a time was a big deal. Every household and locality made miniature mud forts as part of the Diwali celebration. The history of Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha empire, which was established on the sturdy foundations of these hill forts, may be learned from these mud forts. It brings out the creativity and imagination of children and adults as they attempt to create replicas of the towering ramparts that dot the western ghats,” says Vishal Sanas, a Punekar who has been making these mud forts for 30 years.
When you climb the fearsome Raigad Fort, Sinhagad Fort, or Lohagad Fort, do you stop and think about how these forts were built? How did people back then manage to transport all these building materials up the steep hills? The fact that these forts are so amazing and the way they captivate us, it is very endearing to see how the people of Pune come together, every year, to honor this magnificent and powerful heritage of the Marathas.
Ranjeet Rane, a Pune mud fort resident, and enthusiast have spent most of the last decade living outside of Pune. Every Diwali, he looks forward to returning home and engaging in fort building. But this beautiful tradition is unfortunately in constant decline. “The tradition is declining due to mobile devices and televisions taking over our attention. There are ready-made forts available these days; people aren’t so excited about the fort-making business. The tradition could soon disappear if an intergenerational effort is not made to ensure its revival,” Rane points out.
Realizing the threat of losing this beautiful tradition, some worried Punekars hold Kila-making workshops for children and adults. In addition to a brief history lesson about the Marathas and their forts, these sessions include a discussion on the art of war.
These famous and old forts can be the focal point of your subsequent trip to Pune.
Where to discover the tradition of making Diwali Kila?
The tradition of making Kila can be experienced in Pune.
When is the best time to visit Pune?
The ideal months to visit Pune are from October through February.
Where in Pune can you find the best adventure activities?
Hiking in hill forts is one of the most popular adventure activities to try in Pune.
Related Articles:
Old Temples in India
Bhangarh Fort, India
Shree Dwarkadhish Temple
Kailasa Temple, Aurangabad
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
