Cultural Tourism, Intangible Heritage, and Regional Development in the South Kokan Region of Maharashtra

The Kokan region of Maharashtra between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri mountains, represents a culturally vibrant and ecologically sensitive landscape shaped by centuries of historical transitions and diverse socio-cultural communities. The region includes districts like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, has a rich volume of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) that is derived from its tribal, coastal, and agricultural customs. A strong bond between people and land is shown in rituals, festivals, traditional livelihoods, and culinary customs, as well as folk arts like Dashavatar, Chitrakathi, and Jakhadi dance. Kokan's cultural landscape has been influenced by the dominion of the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Silaharas, Portuguese, and Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Kokan's increasing popularity as a destination for cultural tourism now presents enormous potential for regional growth, but it also raises questions about environmental strain, cultural commodification, and the loss of authenticity.

This study critically examines the intersection of cultural tourism, intangible heritage, and regional development in South Kokan by using secondary data, scholarly literature, government reports, and documentation. Existing research highlights the potential of tourism to generate employment, enhance infrastructure, and revive local traditions. However, it also reveals major gaps in sustainability, community participation, and heritage sensitive planning. Rapid commercialization increasingly transforms cultural practices into marketable performances, risking the dilution of their traditional meaning. Additionally, inadequate institutional support, limited heritage mapping, and inconsistent policy frameworks hinder long-term preservation.

Malvani cuisine are positioned primarily as economic assets with minimal formal heritage protection. This imbalance underscores the need for a more holistic approach to cultural resource management. The study argues that sustainable tourism in Kokan must anchor itself in community led models, capacity building for cultural practitioners, heritage sensitive infrastructure development, and regulatory mechanisms that align economic incentives with cultural preservation.

The research contributes to broader discussions on inclusive and sustainable development in culturally rich regions. According to the study, protecting Kokan's intangible heritage is essential for preserving cultural integrity as well as making sure that growth driven by tourism is resilient, equitable, and culturally authentic.