Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – March 8: The 11th Global Kokan Festival 2025 is creating significant momentum for the Konkan region, attracting substantial interest from business leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, and cultural advocates. Taking place at Nesco Ground in Goregaon, Mumbai, from March 6-9, the event has successfully positioned Konkan as an emerging center for commerce, travel, agriculture, maritime industries, and cultural preservation, creating fresh pathways for regional economic development and job creation.
Under the leadership of Kokan Bhumi Pratishthan, the festival operates under the guidance of Industries Minister and Global Kokan Festival Chairman Uday Samant and was officially launched by Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogavale. The event has drawn notable political figures, including Maharashtra Finance Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Environment Minister Ganesh Naik, and IT Minister Ashish Shelar, who have participated in strategic conversations about Konkan’s developmental trajectory and economic prospects.
The festival’s centerpiece, the Kokan Business Conclave, has successfully connected investors with industry executives to examine Konkan’s extensive opportunities in industrial growth, infrastructure enhancement, and responsible tourism development. Major corporations including JSW Jindal Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), MSRDC, and CIDCO have presented substantial infrastructure initiatives designed to accelerate regional progress.
Industries Minister Uday Samant emphasized the importance of unified development efforts, explaining, “This celebration extends beyond honoring Konkan’s cultural wealth—it’s about establishing a blueprint for economic advancement. With forthcoming initiatives like the Ratnagiri defense cluster, which will create 6,500 employment opportunities, and the semiconductor facility expected to hire 20,000 young professionals, Konkan is positioned for substantial growth. We must prioritize industries that maintain environmental responsibility while generating regional employment.”
A notable announcement at the festival involves the planned establishment of Konkan’s inaugural direct farmer-to-trader Hapus Mango Wholesale Market, designed to link local agricultural producers with domestic and international purchasers, ensuring improved pricing structures and streamlined distribution networks.
Beyond commercial prospects, the festival celebrates Konkan’s dynamic cultural landscape, customs, and environmental treasures. The Sustainable Tourism Pavilion showcases the ecological diversity of Borivali National Park, Thane’s mangrove ecosystems, and the Sahyadri mountain chain, promoting environmentally conscious travel and conservation initiatives.
Attendees are witnessing authentic Konkani cultural expressions through traditional performances including Koli dance, Tarpa, Jakhadi, Dashavatar, and Gauri dance, providing insight into the region’s artistic heritage. In an innovative addition, contemporary Marathi music is being presented internationally through hip-hop, rap, and beatboxing acts, creating connections between traditional and modern cultural expressions.
Female business owners and self-help organizations have received dedicated exhibition space to display and market handcrafted items, genuine Konkani food, and regionally manufactured products, supporting women-owned small enterprises and empowering local craftspeople.
Sanjay Yadavrao, Founder of Kokan Bhumi Pratishthan, commented on the event’s impact, “The enthusiasm and participation we’ve witnessed this year have been extraordinary. Our objective transcends simply promoting Kokan’s cultural and tourism assets—we aim to generate substantial business opportunities that foster sustained economic expansion. We remain dedicated to encouraging greater investment and improving market accessibility for regional enterprises.”
As the Global Kokan Festival 2025 enters its final two days, it continues drawing thousands of participants, including corporate executives, government representatives, investors, and cultural enthusiasts. The ongoing event is anticipated to further establish Kokan’s reputation as a vibrant commercial and tourism hub while maintaining its distinctive cultural identity.
