Maharashtra’s Koyna Backwater Festival 2026 is set to become grander, more attractive and world-class in scale, in line with directions given by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai expressed confidence that the festival, which brings together natural beauty, adventure tourism and local culture, would give the state’s tourism sector a renewed identity. Desai’s remarks came during a review meeting on the festival held at the government residence Meghdoot. Additional officials, including the Collector of Satara, the Deputy Conservator of Forests of Satara and the Sub-Divisional Officer of Wai-Mahabaleshwar, joined the discussion via video conferencing. During the meeting, officials reviewed last year’s edition of the festival in detail before discussing measures to make the upcoming edition more memorable.