Previously the event was celebrated as 'Dasara Mahotsav' in Kolhapur. Shahi Dasara is celebrated at very few places in India. Especially Dasara at Kolhapur Darbar reserves an important place. Dasara symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

The Mahalaxmi killed demons on this day hence it is also known as Vijayadashami. For ages the kings rejoiced when they won the battle. Erstwhile rulers from Kolhapur celebrated this occasion. with lot of enthusiasm and energy. In Kolhapur a mammoth event happens at a historic place; Dasara Chowk; popularly known owing this event. The present Maharaja of Kolhapur arrives in his antique royal sedanand offers pooja & blesses the subjets on this occasion. The leaves of 'Apta Tree' are arranged at this chowk. As soon as the Maharaja plucks these leaves, thousands of people rush, pluck & plunder the leaves which symbolises the gold. The people not only cross the borders (seemolanghana) to rejoice but also dissolve their differences by exchanging apta leaves. Really on this auspicious day zest & zeal is at it's zenith!

Though the district collectorate takes initiative in organising "Kolhapur Festival"; it is well known & mostly popular as a festival of every Kolhapur lover.

After a couple of year’s of experience and considering climatic conditions during Dasara; the organizers decided to arrange this event during January last week. Being an ideal tourism season; the festival will be yet more attraction for the tourists thronging in to Kolhapur. Not only district collectorate officers but travel entrepreneurs, media persons, artists in Kolhapur are involved in organizing “Kolhapur Festival”. Different committees are formed under the guidance of the district collector & the work goes on smoothly in a perfect mutual understanding. Everybody’s aim is to make this event successful. Of course; Kolhapur has a tradition of hospitality, welcome as well as success. No wonder if “Kolhapur Festival” will be marked as an important cultural event in India in recent future.