Velas Turtle Festival: Immerse in a unique play about wildlife conservation

An Olive Ridley turtle strutting on two legs wielding a selfie stick and vlogging his day in a distinct Konkani dialect No wersquore not recalling a fever dream Thatrsquos exactly what we witnessed at the rehearsal of Sangeet Kurmakhyan at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo on Wednesday evening Conceptualised by Vanyavani Foundation and directed by Makarand Sawant the play featuring artistes from Mumbai Thane Konkan Vidarbha and beyond is all set to premiere at the Velas Turtle Festival this weekendOlive Ridley turtles in Velas FILE PICSATEJ SHINDEldquoWhile wildlife documentaries work really well in rural areas the visuals often entice the viewer so much the message becomes secondaryrdquo says Sawant The new play supported by the Mangrove Cell Mumbai Zoo and independent researchers is rooted in folk Vyakhyan Powada and Bharud traditions to strike a chord Gen Z viewers need not fret we can assure you there are enough lsquoviralrsquo references to keep you hookedMakarand SawantSixth in a series of wildlife plays supported and launched by the Zoo wersquore informed that the play will soon be presented in Mumbai after the Konkan campaign Seated next to us Dr Sanjay Tripathi director of the zoo adds an optimistic outlook ldquoNearly 80 per cent of the audience at the previous plays has been children who enjoyed learning something newrdquoON April 11 18AT Velas and Guhagar villages RatnagiriLOG ON TO vanyavanifoundation for detailsOfficial SpeakKanchan Pawar Divisional Forest Officer shares her views ahead of the festivalWhy bring a wildlife play to the festivalMany young children visit the festival The play will speak directly to them while introducing them to fading folk art formsPlease share about community conservation efforts this yearWe identified hotspots and possible firsttime sites We visited fisherfolk and schools to spread awareness on handling hatchlings To our delight spots like Adivare saw turtles for the first time this yearHow does the future look for the turtlesTheyrsquore in safe hands Our Kasav Mitras local network include both firstgeneration conservators and their children who have happily joined them Meet the charactersPendya Seth and MamaThe play unfolds on a pristine beach with turtle settlements that falls in the hands of this cunning duo After renaming it Malamal Bunder the hatching spot becomes a fancy tourist and illegal trade centreChakwaYou havenrsquot met him but yoursquove seen him online This enthusiastic vlogger is the typical lsquotravel influencerrsquo who cares little about wildlife and much more about followersKasavThe star of the show delivers some timely lessons like the distinction between turtles and tortoises the solitary nature of Olive Ridleys and the vital role they play in the food chainTurtle trailsJoin these guided tours to witness the phenomenon in an ethical wayKasav in a scene from the playMischief TreksSpend a day in a traditional Konkani homestay and head out to watch the turtles take their first steps The guidedtour suits solo travellers couples and familiesON April 17 and 24MEETING POINT Pickup points across MumbaiLOG ON TO mischieftrekscomENTRY Rs 3100 includes travel accommodation and foodSahyadri Nisarg MitraThe group that pioneered Olive Ridley conservation in the Konkan belt helps tourists find accommodation and guidance through their network The modest homestays offer shared dormitoriesTILL April 26AT Velas and Guhagar villages RatnagiriCALL 9423831700