Saitavde Explained

Saitavde
Settlement Type:village
Pushpin Map:India Maharashtra#India
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates:17.2639°N 73.28°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: India
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Maharashtra
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Ratnagiri
Unit Pref:Metric
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics Type1:Languages
Demographics1 Title1:Official
Demographics1 Info1:Marathi
Timezone1:IST
Utc Offset1:+5:30
Postal Code Type:PIN
Postal Code:415613
Registration Plate:MH-
Blank1 Name Sec1:Coastline
Blank1 Info Sec1:0km (00miles)

Saitavde, or Saitawada, is a small village on the Jaigad creek in Ratnagiri district. It is about 390 km southwest of Mumbai, and about 58 km to the north of Ratnagiri city.

Geography

Saitavda is located at .

The entire northern part of the village overlooks the Shastri River, while the southern portion is surrounded by hills; therefore, giving it a scenic valley-look.

History

Although the exact history of Saitavda is not known, the earliest mention is found in the Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency printed in 1880. In the report Saitavda is termed as a "petty division of Ratnagiri" during the Land Surveys conducted in 1827, 1853 and 1867–68.

Demographics

Saitavda is spread over 5.44 km2. The total population is around 3067, with about 692 households.

It is divided into: Borsai Mohalla, Khatib Mohalla, Gumbad Mohalla, Peth Mohalla, Shirkewadi, Boudhwadi and Chinchbandar.

Climate

The climate is tropical with 3 main seasons:

Saitavda receives an annual rainfall of 3500 mm approx.

Overall, the climate was healthy and pure since there were no industries/factories nearby. But with JSW coal fired powr generation plant Chowgule port JSW port slowly pollution has started taking place.

Agriculture

The terrain is very hilly, providing little scope for agriculture. Nevertheless, it is densely shaded by mango, coconut, cashew nut, jackfruit and various other trees.

Being in the Konkan region, Saitavda is home to the world-famous Alphonso (Hapoos) mango. Another equally delicious variety that can be found here is the Payri mango. It is the second largest commercial variety of mango in the Konkan region, and can sometimes be more expensive than the Hapoos.

Festivals

As the population is predominantly Muslim, the two main festivals celebrated here are Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

Other festivals like Diwali, Holi, Ganapati, etc. are celebrated amongst the Hindus.

Getting there

Regular, daily express trains between Mumbai and Ratnagiri are operated by Konkan Railways. From Ratnagiri station, take one of the many private vehicles (popularly known as trax or seaters) that ply between Ratnagiri and Saitavda.

State-owned and private buses operate regular services from Mumbai to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri, take one of the many private vehicles (popularly known as trax or seaters) that ply between Ratnagiri and Saitavda.

References

External links