Redi, Maharashtra

History

Redi was built by the Marathas in the sixteenth century and was later captured by the Portuguese in 1746. The previous citadel holders, the Sawant clan of Maharashtra, were desperate to regain the place because of its valuable strategic position on the coast. An attempt to recapture Redi was preceded by poisoning the Portuguese garrison's fish supply, but the attack was unsuccessful.

Redi was eventually returned to the Sawants following a peace treaty, but the success was short lived - in 1765 the fort was captured by the British who later sold the land to local people in 1890 while retaining ownership of the Redi fort walls.

Geography

Redi is located at 15.7402346°N 73.6769342°E / 15.7402346; 73.6769342. It has an average elevation of 11 metres (36 ft).Areas included are Kanyal, Gavtale, Bomdojichiwadi, Varchiker. Nearest town to the village, Shiroda is located at 8 km.

Landmarks

The Swayambhu Shiv Temple, the Ganesha Temple, the Mauli Temple, the Rampurush Temple and the Navadurga Temple – where Goddess Durga is worshipped - are some of the many religious shrines this place is specked with. The Yashwantgad Fort, Shiroda, Aravali and the Terekhol Fort are a few historic monuments that are worth a visit.

Climate

Redi features a tropical monsoon climate. The climate in Redi is inviting and warm throughout the year. It experiences a tropical climate which means that the summers are slightly hot, though the cool winter breezes more than make up for it. The highest temperature in summer reaches 34 °C while in winter, temperature drops up to 8 °C. It serves as a viable retreat for almost the entire year. However, the post monsoon season is your best bet.

Language

Malvani is spoken as a local language. Marathi, being the state language, is also understood and implemented.

Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest festival in the village. Being the place of Maharashtra's one of the famous Ganesh temples, Ganesh Chaturthi has an important place in people's lives. In Redi, most Hindu families install their own small clay statues for worship on Ganesh Chaturthi. The idol is worshiped in every morning and evening until the "departure". The daily worship ceremonies ends with the worshipers singing the Aarti in honor of Ganesh, other Gods and saints by visiting each ones home in the village who has ongoing celebrations. As per the tradition of their respective families, the domestic celebrations come to an end after 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 or 21 days when the statue is taken in a procession to a Arabian Sea for immersion.

Cuisine

Cuisine covers a range from mild to very spicy dishes. Rice, vegetables, lentils and fruit form staple food of the diet. Popular dishes include Fish Curry and rice. Meals (mainly lunch and dinner) are served on a plate called thali or occasionally on Patravali or Banana leaf. Each food item served on the thali has a specific place. In some households, meals begin with a thanksgiving offering of food (Naivedya) to the household Gods. The cuisine is of Maharashtrian-Goan type called Malvani (Konkani). There is extensive use of seafood and coconut as it is locally available. The staple foods of the Konkani people are rice and fish

Transport

Redi is connected to other parts of Maharashtra state by MSRTC buses. Local sharing rickshaw, known as six seaters in the region are used widely by the people which connect the small places. Konkan Railway Corporation Limited's railway line connecting Mumbai to Mangalore, popularly known as the Konkan Railway, is at 27Km from the village. Redi port is also used for water transport of iron and manganese ore.