Visit this Shillim farm to experience a hurda party this weekend

Representation pic

In rural Maharashtra, winter is incomplete without an invitation to a hurda party. The season of sorghum (jowar) is celebrated by first harvesting and roasting the ripe jowar, separating the grain, and then tucking into the sweet millet, along with a host of condiments, over hearty banter. Once an intimate affair, farmers are now inviting city folk to get a taste of hurda parties at their farms during the December-to-February season. And if you're still waiting for an invite, this weekend, an indie travel company called The Western Routes will zip you off to an agri farm in Shillim for a field day.

A previous hurda party at the farm in Shillim

Jayesh Paranjape, founder of Pune-based The Western Routes, tells us that the city and its surrounding areas are not a common jowar-growing belt. "Hurda parties were introduced much later here, in the past seven to eight years with the growth of agro-tourism. It also owes its popularity to the Gujarati community, who call hurda, ponkh," he explains.

Preparation underway at Anjanvel Agri Farm for a hurda party

On Saturday, guests will head to Anjanvel Agri Farm, a 12-acre property in Shillim valley. One can either opt for their vehicle from Pune, or drive to the farm themselves. Post breakfast, the hosts arrange for a bunch of sorghum for the party. "We'll roast it on the chulha, separate the seeds and the guests can take part in this preparation. We'll then proceed to feast on it with a mix of condiments - lasun chutney, dahi, tilgul, thechha and other wintry accompaniments," he shares.

Sorghum is typically served with a range of condiments

The day trip will also include a rustic meal of bhakri, pithla, seasonal vegetables, chicken rassa, sheera and more. Paranjape adds that they will be organising a short hike up a nearby hillock which offers views of the valley and the Pawna lake. One can also try their hand at pottery, go on a bullock cart ride, laze around the farm or catch up on some siesta on a coir khaat and soak in the winter sun, before it's time to head back home again. Sounds like a plan?

On: February 5, 7 am
Meeting Point: Fergusson College main gate, Pune (9.30 am arrival at Anjanvel Agri Farm in Shillim)
Call: 9405591758 to sign up (limited to 35 people)
Log on to: @western_routes on Instagram for details
Cost: Rs 2,100 (adults); Rs 1,900 (five to 11 years)