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Make spiders pretty again: how a Pune initiative is fighting against age-old aversion to spiders

There will be a Spider Talk and a Spider Walk in Pune on the importance of spiders, their webs, hunting styles, and hidden habitats.

4 min readUpdated: Nov 6, 2025 06:43 PM IST

The campaign, part of ‘Nisargotsav’, highlights the beauty and ecological importance of urban wildlife.

Pune’s Capparis Eco Solutions is hosting ‘Spider Month’ to change perceptions about spiders through talks and nature walks. (Express Photo)

Stories and well-meaning adults warn people about spiders, for deceit lurks in every web they weave. In almost everybody—including the magic boys Harry Potter and Ron Weasley—there lies a fear of creepy crawlies. Spiders fall in this category. Scientists have called out this myth but are rarely heard. In Pune, a group of experts is confronting the aversion to spiders by appealing to the imagination.

Shreyas Pattanshetty and Swara Bakshi have never been afraid of spiders, but they are aware that they are unusual in this respect. The two of them, who are a part of Capparis Eco Solutions, an organisation that specialises in biodiversity assessments and helping people understand and protect their natural ecosystems, are dedicating November to spiders. There will be two programmes on the importance of spiders, their webs, hunting styles, and hidden habitats. The aim is to do the impossible—make spiders appear fun and interesting to humans. Social media outreach has already begun.

The Spider Talk will be held at Indradhanyushya Hall, Navi Peth, Dattawadi, on November 7, Friday. Entry will be free. The Spider Walk will be at Taljai Hills on November 9, Sunday, charged at Rs 150 per person.
“A spider’s web in a house is seen as a bad omen. Actually, the spiders are present because they need food and, usually, build their webs in the corners or near a tube light,” says Bakshi. She adds, “Spiders are pretty cute. Jumping spiders are really nice, but most of us have never noticed them. We have only seen the long-legged spiders in our houses, and they can seem a bit spooky.”

Nisargotsav, a fresh way to look at one’s surroundings
The initiative is a part of a campaign, Nisargotsav, which attempts to encourage a fresh way to look at one’s surroundings. “There’s so much happening around us, new roads and new buildings, but how often do we notice that corner tree where a koel sings every morning or the tiny mushroom that pops up in your garden after rain? These small moments remind us that nature is very much alive in our cities,” says Bakshi.

Pattanshetty says that Nisargotsav would be celebrated every month with a new theme, “because every living being deserves to be noticed and celebrated”.

“We would like people to see a whole new world in the one we live in and to encourage young researchers to share their amazing work. When we talk about biodiversity or wildlife, everyone thinks about national parks, jungles, or a natural habitat. But we are talking about urban wildlife. People should start noticing biodiversity around them from their balconies, parking, and streets as well,” he adds.

November is the breeding season for spiders, hence the theme of the month. “You will see many beautiful spiders around your homes,” says Pattanshetty. Firstly, spiders are not insects. “They are arachnids, a separate group of organisms,” he says. Secondly, they can be beautiful and full of colours if we only look closer. He displays photographs of the signature spider, which makes patterned webs, and the rainbow jumping spider, whose name hints at how attractive they are.

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Even many gardeners are unaware of the integral part of spiders in an ecosystem. “When they prune and cut trees, they remove webs because they think these are dirty. We try to spread awareness among them,” says Pattanshetty.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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