About Rajur
Mahatma Gandhi said, “India’s soul lives in its villages.” Each village has something unique associated with it. Akole Tehsil is known as the remote tribal dominant area in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra. Rajur is one of the picturesque town situated in Akole Tehsil, having a population of 10,000. It is surrounded by the scenic mountains of Sahyadri and just 10 km. away from Kalasubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 1250 meters above sea level, Rajur is situated in the basin of historical Pravara river, amidst the eastern slope of Main Mountain Ranges of Sahyadri i.e. the Western Ghats. Rajur is 154 km. away from the northwest of Ahmednagar and about 200 km. away from the northeast of Mumbai.
In history, Rajur was known as trade-hub of the King of Javhar. Today it is also known as an important market-place and the commercial hub for the 40 tribal villages around it, villages are popularly known as ‘Chalisgaon Dangan’. The first identity of Rajur is popular ‘Rajur Pedha’ and the second one is the famous ‘Bull-market’ or ‘Bull-Exhibition’. These two things made Rajur popular all over Maharashtra. Traditionally, every year in December, the biggest Cattle Fair or Bull Exhibition is hosted here. Folks from nearby villages come here to trade their cattle. This special occasion is also known as ‘Pradarshan’. This special market is playing a vital role in the socio-economic development of the region. Rajur has also emerged as an educational hub for higher education.
The tribal villages around Rajur have their own unique cultural identities. ‘Katha Yatra’ in Kauthwadi, ‘Bohada’ in Udadavane-Panjare, ‘Navratri Festival’ at Kalasubai, ‘Mahashivratri Mahotsav’ at Harishchandragad, Ratanwadi and Terungan, ‘Kambad-dance’ of Ghatghar, ‘Urus’ in Rajur, ‘BahirobaYatra’ at Shirpunje, Abitkhind and Khirvire, typical tribal folk-dances and tribal wedding-songs, Fireflies Festival in June etc. are some better examples of cultural understanding of the area. Each and every festival is celebrated uniquely in different ways according to the rituals, beliefs and its significant history behind it. All festivals bring a perfect fusion of dance, music, serenity, and celebrations.
Akole is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Rajur is really a tourist gateway, as the sightseeing journey starts right from here. Ancient temples and caves, heavy rainfall during monsoon, fog-covered forests, mountain ranges and stunning landscapes, waterfalls and pristine streams, forts and scenic valleys, lush green paddy fields and beautiful tiny birds, sanctuaries, and amazing trekking routes etc. made the area really enchanting.
