Shirala also called Battis [32] Shirala is a town and tehsil in Sangli District, India, away 60 kilometres west of the district headquarters, Sangli and about 350 kilometres from Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra state. It is particularly known for its Hindu festival of the snake god. History Shirala is a town located in western Maharashtra, India's most prosperous state. During the Rashtrakuta period the region was ruled by Shilaharas. (from 765 to 1020) The name Shirala comes from word "Shilahara".The prefix ‘battis’ is the number thirty-two (32). It is said that thirty-two small villages surround this larger town. Historically, Battis Shirala has been major market. Local Economy The major source of income for people in this town is from agriculture. Since this place is capital of tehsil or taluka, large numbers of people are employed in various government offices, schools, colleges, banks, hospitals and other service industry. A couple of agriculture-based industries (sugar and starch) also contribute to the town’s economy. Water supply for drinking and agricultural purposes is available from Morna Dam, Shirala located 5 kilometres from town. The tehsil has large area under thick forests due to heavy monsoon rains. It provides patronage to variety of wild life in ‘Chandoli abhay-aranya', a national forest. The town holds weekly farmers market on every Monday (aka "Monday Bajar"). Farmers and small vendors from the area put up temporary tents on small streets of town for the entire day. Fresh vegetables, meat, fish and other goods including clothing are sold in this market. Recently, a dozen of small-scale agro-industries have been set in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area near Shirala. With special economic concessions offered due to remoteness of the area, the MIDC has attracted number of investors in relatively short time. Transportation Shirala is about 350 km. from Mumbai. State transport and private buses daily run between Mumbai and Shirala. Kolhapur is the nearest city, which is 60 km. away. Kolhapur is connected to Mumbai through daily trains. Pune is connected to all major Indian cities through daily flights and trains. If you are visiting Shirala for Naag Panchami (Snake festival) only, a day trip from Pune is possible. Noted annual festival Recently court has banned catching of snakes due to animal (snake) abuse cases as rough handling of snakes can result in their death. Battis Shirala is famous for its annual Nag Panchami Snake festival, which is attended