Shivadi

:"See for recommended sources!" Shivadi (शिवडी) is a small town in Niphad Taluka, Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, situated on the bank of river Wadali (sometimes known as Vinata) and on Niphad–Chandwad connecting road. It shares border with Niphad in south, Ugaon in North, Khede in west and North-West and Sonewadi Bk in East. The population of this farming community is slightly over 2000. Major crops include grapes, sugarcane, onions, vegetables, wheat, jwar, bajra, ground nuts, and pulses. The town is well known for its skilled grape-farm labour. Though there is a scarcity of water in the farm land, farmers have access to irrigation supported by Kolhapur-type bonds and wells. A few of the larger farmers also make use of irrigation siphons. In town, the Gram Panchayat, primary school (up to seventh grade), a farmers co-operative society, a co-operative and milk dairy can be found, along with three privately run cold storage units for grapes and other agricultural produce. The village is in vicinity of both of the taluka's sugar factories.

Temples and Fesitvals

There is famous and big Shri Ram temple, and also other Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, Hanuman, Shani, Laxmi, Vetal, Khandoba, and Mauli Aai. Publicly celebrated festivals are Ram Navami (the birthday of Ram, which falls on the ninth day of first month of Hindu calendar), Holi, and Dhulivandan (which falls on the full moon of last month of Hindu calendar), Baiil Pola (the Bull's Festival, which falls on the new moon of holy month of Shravan). There is a weeklong Ram/Vishnu Naam Saptaha (continuous chanting) celebration in the month of Chaitra, the first month of Hindu calendar.

Village annual fair happens at Chaitra Ekadashi (eleventh day of first month).

History

Once, the village was gifted to the bodyguards of the daughter of Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore as a salary. This family moved to Indore some years back, but remains of their large "wada" (residence) can still be seen in the town.