Ubhadanda village in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district is set to transform into a ‘Village of Poems,’ where poetry enthusiasts can enjoy reading in unique settings such as gardens, beaches, and private homes. The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 1.94 crore to support the project, which aims to promote Marathi literature and boost local tourism.
The idea for this poetic village comes from Ubhadanda’s connection to renowned Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar, who was born in nearby Vengurla taluka. His poem Vengurlyacha Paus vividly describes the rain of his hometown as a comforting, loving presence. Soon, readers will be able to experience the same atmosphere while exploring a vast collection of Marathi poetry.
Ubhadanda, in collaboration with the state government, is preparing to create poetry libraries in various spots within the village. According to village sarpanch Nilesh Chamankar, the spaces identified include private residences scattered across the area. “We’ve selected places that reflect the village’s landscape and cultural heritage. This initiative will help put Ubhadanda on Maharashtra’s tourist map,” Chamankar said in an interview with ThePrint.
The concept is inspired by a similar project introduced seven years ago in Bhilar village, Satara district. Known as the ‘Village of Books,’ it was modeled after Hay-on-Wye, a well-known book town in Wales, UK.
Libraries in Homes, Gardens, and on Beaches
As part of the initiative, the village has identified 16 private properties that will be converted into reading rooms or small libraries. While one library is already operational, the gram panchayat is waiting for further instructions from the government to move forward with the others.
According to the government resolution issued on 13 September, the spaces must be at least 250 square feet, and property owners must provide proof of ownership. They will also need to sign an agreement with the state government. Chamankar explained that the identified locations include a house with a large garden where visitors can read outdoors and two libraries situated near the beach.
“We’ve selected a variety of settings for people to read poetry,” Chamankar said. “In some places, readers will be able to sit in a garden, while others can read by the beach. It’s all about giving visitors a taste of our village’s natural beauty along with the literature.”
Boosting Local Tourism
While property owners will not receive any rental compensation from the government, Chamankar emphasized that they can still benefit financially from the project in other ways. “We’ve been encouraging people to look at this as an opportunity to develop our village as a tourist destination,” he explained.
Property owners participating in the project can create additional revenue streams by turning rooms into homestays for visiting tourists or by offering meals. Local women, who usually only cook for their families, can become home chefs for the visitors. Additionally, owners can sell local products alongside the libraries.
“The possibilities are endless,” Chamankar said, adding that the community is eager to seize the opportunity to promote their culture while also generating income.
The ‘Village of Poems’ initiative reflects a broader effort by the Maharashtra government to preserve local heritage and promote regional literature, while also encouraging tourism in rural areas.