Squirrel Appreciation Day falls on January 21, a day to celebrate these quick-silver forest dwellers and the ecological roles they play. In India, wildlife groups such as the Wildlife Conservation Society-India often use the day to spotlight native species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel, urging the public to recognize their importance in forest ecosystems.
Coincidentally, India's flagship UCI recognised cycling event—the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour—has also chosen a giant squirrel as its mascot. And on this day, it’s worth asking why.
The Pune Grand Tour’s mascot, Indu, is inspired by the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel, native to the forests of Bhimashankar. With its striking agility and powerful leaps, the squirrel symbolizes the very essence of cycling: speed, resilience, and balance.
Born in the Sahyadris, the giant squirrel is fearless and nimble, bounding through treetops with strength and precision. It is also the state animal of Maharashtra, and its natural traits mirror the spirit of the sport: moving swiftly across terrain, navigating obstacles, and embracing the rhythm of motion.
From steep hills to open highways, the cyclists of the Pune Grand Tour will embody this same energy, pushing boundaries, testing endurance, and carrying Pune onto the global cycling map.
The Indian Giant Squirrel represents not only ecological balance but also regional pride. It is a creature that belongs to Maharashtra’s forests and reflects the spirit of a land shaped by endurance, agility, and resilience.
And the name Indu itself carries deeper meaning. It is inspired by the Indrayani River, a lifeline that connects faith, nature, and people—and flows through the heart of Pune District. Like the river, the mascot is a symbol of continuity, strength, and shared identity.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 marks a historic moment for Indian cycling. As the country’s first-ever UCI 2.2 category multi-stage, five-day continental race for men, it represents a major step forward for India’s presence in professional global cycling.
The 437-km route stretches across the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Ranges, showcasing Pune’s diverse terrain and cultural heritage. The event will host 171 elite riders from 29 teams and 35 countries, competing across nine talukas and 150 villages, passing through historic landmarks and scenic rural landscapes.
Organized by the Pune District Administration and the Government of Maharashtra, under the Cycling Federation of India, the race blends sporting excellence with Pune’s rich cultural identity, making it not just a competition, but a celebration of the region itself.