Belpada village in Murbad represents a living repository of indigenous knowledge systems, especially around food, farming, and forest-based living. The Tubers & Roots Festival is a celebration of this heritage—bringing together age-old culinary wisdom, sustainable practices, and folk culture that have nourished communities for generations.
 

Organised by a collective including Shramik Mukti Sanghatana (SMS), Van Niketan, INTACH Thane Chapter, and Ashwamedh Pratishthan, the festival offers a rare opportunity to directly engage with grassroots movements that have been working for over four decades in sustainable living, Adivasi and Vanvasi upliftment, and documentation of Lok Sanskriti (folk culture).

There is a considerable presence of tribals in Thane district. Therefore there is ample of scope in rural and tribal tourism which ideally should help in increasing understanding of culture between urban centers and tribal pockets. Tribal fair in Thane district is one such occasion. Also,tribal food festival which is organised atleast once a year is very helpful in understanding cultures. The festival of tubers and routes of tribal conveys very clearly eating habits nutrition and culture relatd to tribals.
 

This is not a performance-led event, but a participatory, dialogue-driven experience rooted in authenticity, simplicity, and shared learning.

How to reach:
 

• By Train: Reach Kalyan Railway Station (Central Line).

• By Bus: Frequent MSRTC (ST) buses operate from Kalyan Railway Station to Murbad.
   

• By Taxi: Kaali-peeli taxis available from Kalyan and Shahad Railway Stations to Murbad.
   

• Last-mile connectivity: Local rickshaws available from Murbad to Belpada village.

Travel Time:
Approximately 1 hour by road from Kalyan Railway Station.

What you can do there?:

• Experience traditional preparation and tasting of indigenous tubers and roots
   

• Interact directly with Adivasi and Vanvasi community members
   

• Participate in conversations on sustainable food systems and healthy living
   

• Observe and understand traditional cooking methods and ingredients
   

• Learn about decades-long grassroots work in social upliftment and cultural conservation
   

• Enjoy a slow, mindful rural day immersed in nature and community life
   

Nearby places of interest:
Murbad town, surrounding tribal villages, forest landscapes of Thane district

Typical Itinerary: Tubers & Roots Festival Experience (Day Event)

09:00 AM – Arrival at Belpada Village
Warm community welcome and breakfast featuring local, seasonal preparations.
 

10:00 AM – Festival Walkthrough & Interactions
Engage with organisers, community members, and collectives. Understand the cultural, ecological, and nutritional significance of tubers and roots in indigenous diets.
 

11:30 AM – Food Traditions & Dialogue
Participate in open discussions on healthy living, sustainability, and food sovereignty inspired by grassroots philosophies and lived practices.
 

01:00 PM – Traditional Community Lunch (On your Own Expenses)
Enjoy an authentic meal prepared using indigenous ingredients, traditional techniques, and local wisdom.
 

02:00 PM – Folk Culture & Informal Exchanges
Witness elements of Lok Sanskriti, storytelling, and informal cultural sharing.
 

03:00 PM – Tea & Conclusion
Wrap up with evening tea, reflections, and departures with deeper appreciation of rural food heritage.
 

Experiences you might get today:
Indigenous food tasting, cultural dialogue, rural immersion, sustainable living insights, community connection, slow-food philosophy, meaningful interactions.