The Pride of the Sahyadris, ‘Indu’: The New Global Face of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour

At present, excitement and enthusiasm for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 are overflowing across every corner of Pune district. As this international cycling competition is being held in India for the first time, its mascot, the adorable giant squirrel ‘Indu’, has captured everyone’s attention. ‘Indu’ is no longer just a symbol; it has become a global ambassador of Maharashtra’s rich natural heritage. From the Pune metropolitan area to remote villages, ‘Indu’ is the talk everywhere, once again highlighting the inseparable bond between the giant squirrel and Pune.

To understand the relationship between the giant squirrel and Pune, one must visit the dense forests of Bhimashankar, nestled in the lap of the Sahyadris. The sacred surroundings of Bhimashankar and the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the source of the Bhima River, are blessed with abundant natural wealth. Located at an altitude of about 1,200 metres above sea level, the sanctuary spreads over approximately 13,078 hectares and was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. With an annual rainfall of nearly 4,000 millimetres, the land and forests here have been nourished for centuries. Local tribal communities and the historic tradition of ‘Devarai’ (sacred groves) have played a vital role in conserving these forests.

The pride of this rich forest is the giant squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra, locally known as ‘Shekaru’. In fact, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary was primarily established to protect the habitat of this large squirrel. Scientifically known as Ratufa indica, this reddish-brown squirrel is not just a symbol of healthy forests but also a crucial link in the biodiversity of the Sahyadris. Local residents of Bhimashankar respectfully call it ‘Bhimashankari’.

The appearance of the giant squirrel is extremely captivating—bright reddish eyes, a soft brown coat, a yellowish band on the belly, and a long, bushy tail that never fails to fascinate visitors. These animals are very shy and mainly survive on fruits, flowers, and tree bark. Preferring a solitary life, the giant squirrel gives birth to only one offspring in a year, which is why the species is considered rare.

Recognizing the charm and rarity of this species, the district administration chose the giant squirrel ‘Indu’ as the mascot of the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour. Through this competition, athletes and sports enthusiasts from around the world are being introduced to Maharashtra’s state animal and the natural splendor of Bhimashankar. Conveying the message of nature conservation through a sporting event is truly heartening. With ‘Indu’ leading the way, the entire state of Maharashtra has joined this journey, and the magnificence of the Sahyadris is now shining on the global map.