DHARASHIV

Saramkundi Fata is also known for its bustling market dedicated to Kandi Pedha, a type of pedha that is especially popular across Maharashtra and neighboring districts. The pedhas sold here are known for their rich taste and texture, making the market a favored stop for sweet lovers and traders alike.

Kunthalgiri Pedha Market, located in Dharashiv district, is renowned for its traditional khawa (khoya) and khawa pedha production. According to locals, the practice began in the 1970s when a few farmers started making khawa as a supplementary source of income alongside agriculture, using small-scale bhattis (kilns).

By the 1980s and 1990s, the superior quality and nutritional value of Kunthalgiri’s khawa and pedha gained widespread popularity. More farmers and dairy owners joined the trade, transforming the region into a major production hub with demand spreading beyond local markets to other states and neighboring countries.

The early 2000s marked a period of national recognition. Distributors began supplying Kunthalgiri pedha to pilgrimage sites across India, and the industry became a major source of employment for thousands of local youth. In 2023, the Central Government awarded Kunthalgiri khawa a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing its distinctive quality and traditional production methods rooted in local expertise and resources.

Located in Saramkundi Fata near Pathrud, this market is the second-largest center for pedha trade after Kunthalgiri. Known for its high-quality khawa pedhas, the market plays a crucial role in sustaining the region’s dairy-based economy.

Terkheda Patakha Market, located in Dharashiv district, is one of Maharashtra’s most prominent firecracker production hubs. The industry began in 1983 with the establishment of the first firecracker unit, Dada Fireworks, by Tayyab Hussain Daruwala. The village’s easy access to labor and raw materials helped lay the foundation for what would become a booming business.

By the 1990s, the firecracker industry in Terkheda had expanded rapidly, with new factories opening and the village gaining recognition across the state. In 2000, Terkheda was nicknamed the “Sivakasi of Maharashtra” due to its rising number of production units and reputation for quality firecrackers.

Today, the village houses over 50 firecracker manufacturing units and generates business worth approximately ₹25–27 crore annually. The industry provides direct employment to around 2,500 people, with factories operating nearly year-round to meet demand for festivals and celebrations. Firecrackers made in Terkheda are supplied to traders in Gujarat, Karnataka, and across Maharashtra.

Terkheda is known for producing a wide range of firecrackers, including Laxmi Bomb, Sutli Bomb, Saddam Bomb, Tof, Multicolour Shots, Lasani, Chakri, and Anar. Most factories remain closed for only two months after Diwali, resuming production soon after to keep up with consistent nationwide demand.

The Walvad Animal Market is one of the most prominent cattle markets in Dharashiv district. Buyers from various districts visit the market to purchase cows, oxen, and other livestock. The market plays a significant role in the region’s agricultural economy, supporting livestock farming and trade.