Ever imagined what it would be like to watch a million twinkling stars in the open sky above your head? Add a dash of a spectacular light show orchestrated by the humble fireflies. This extraordinary phenomenon is observed every year by the villages surrounding Nashik. Here’s an exclusive report by Nimisha about a lesser known phenomena.

Summers is that time of the year when everyone wants to go on a vacation. In the last couple of years, the summers have become severe and while we all wait eagerly for the mango season, we keep hoping that the sun could be a little less harsh on us.

Towards the fag end of the summers and before the onset of monsoons, nature shows up its beauty in the most alluring way. While the days seem ordinary, it is during the nights when the magic unfolds.

Ever imagined what it would be like to watch a million twinkling stars in the open sky above your head? Add a dash of a spectacular light show orchestrated by the humble fireflies. This extraordinary phenomenon is observed every year by the villages surrounding Nashik.

The fireflies or glow worms as we better know them as are insects, scientifically known as Lampyridae and this time of the year is their mating season. These little creatures gather in sea of abundance and use bioluminescence to find their mates. The brilliant, yet random blinking pattern of the fireflies is all about finding love. The fireflies display a number of moves to attract their mating partners.

The little glow worms love water and hence reside in places that have marshes and water bodies close by. This monsoons, take time out to witness the sheer joy of watching this extravagance, which will leave you spellbound.

The fireflies can be spotted at Vaitarna dam, Igatpuri, Gangapur dam, Bhandardara-Ghargar and Triambakeshwar, Panjare, Bari, Chincholi, Udadavane, Murshet and few other villages located at the foot of the Kalsubai peak.

The fireflies mostly found on and around the mango, java plum and fig trees. While heading out for a fireflies sighting, remember that one might not see swarms of fireflies all at once. Find a place and stare at a tree for at least 10 minutes, tree and location hopping won’t yield any results. Patience is the key here. Make sure there are no lights around as one can expect the best show of nature’s illuminations in the pitch dark.

©Nimisha Shirodkar

Pix: Kalpak Bhore

Nimisha Shirodkar

Nimisha is a Medical Microbiologist by education who loves to cook, read, write, trek and travel. A freelance academic, content and creative writer- editor she is also a diehard foodie and has a special interest in Wines and Spirits. When not working, spends time travelling in search of food stories or learning about wines or simply experimenting with food and wines. She is also a social media professional who loves her cuppa chai.

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