News

Upcoming Events & Festivals in Pune

Gudi Padwa The Marathi New Year

Gudi Padwa, also known as the Marathi New Year or the Maharashtrian New Year, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Pune. It marks the beginning of the traditional new year for the Marathi community and falls on the first day of Chaitra month, which usually falls in March or April.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves various customs and rituals. The day starts with the hoisting of a Gudi, which is a decorated stick or pole, in front of the house. The Gudi is adorned with neem leaves, marigold flowers, a garland of sugar crystals, and a silk cloth. It is believed that the Gudi brings good luck and prosperity to the house.

People dress up in new clothes and prepare traditional dishes like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Aamras to celebrate the day with their families and friends. The festival is also marked by vibrant processions, music, and dance performances on the streets of Pune.

If you're visiting Pune during Gudi Padwa, don't miss the opportunity to witness the festive spirit and cultural richness of the city. You can head to the famous Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple, which hosts a grand Gudi Padwa procession every year, or visit the historic Shaniwar Wada fort, where various cultural programs and exhibitions are organized during the festival.

Shaniwar Wada Dance Festival

The Shaniwar Wada Dance Festival is one of the most popular events in Pune, India. It is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra, with a focus on classical and folk dance forms. The festival takes place every year in the month of February, and it is a must-attend event for dance enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.

The festival is held at the historic Shaniwar Wada Fort, which was once the seat of power of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. The fort's imposing walls and majestic gates provide a stunning backdrop for the performances, which take place in the open-air courtyard. The festival features performances by some of the best dancers from all over India, as well as from other parts of the world.

The highlight of the festival is the traditional Lavani dance, which originated in Maharashtra and is known for its energetic and lively movements. Other popular dance forms showcased at the festival include Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Kuchipudi. The festival also features musical performances, food stalls, and handicraft exhibitions, making it a complete cultural experience.

The Shaniwar Wada Dance Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, and it is a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Pune and Maharashtra. So, if you're planning a trip to Pune in February, make sure to add this event to your itinerary!

Pune International Literary Festival

The Pune International Literary Festival (PILF) is one of the most anticipated events in Pune for book lovers and literature enthusiasts. It is a three-day festival that takes place annually in September and features renowned authors, poets, and literary figures from around the world. The festival is a celebration of literature, art, and culture and provides a platform for writers and readers to come together and engage in meaningful conversations about literature and the world around us.

The PILF offers a variety of programs, including author talks, panel discussions, book launches, and workshops. It also features book stalls where one can buy books, meet the authors and get a book signed by them. The festival also hosts poetry slams, open mic sessions and quizzes to engage the audience.

Apart from being a literary event, the PILF also provides a platform for emerging writers to showcase their work and interact with established writers. It is a great opportunity for aspiring writers to network and learn from the best in the industry.

The Pune International Literary Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves literature, art, and culture. The festival provides a perfect opportunity to engage with the literary community, learn from the best in the industry, and explore the world of literature. If you are in Pune during September, make sure you attend this festival and immerse yourself in the world of literature.

Pune International Film Festival

The Pune International Film Festival, also known as PIFF, is a much-awaited event for film enthusiasts in Pune. This annual event attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse range of films, including national and international films, documentaries, and short films. It's a great opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work and for movie lovers to enjoy watching these movies on the big screen.

The festival also includes workshops, seminars, and discussions with renowned filmmakers, providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers to learn and grow. PIFF is organized by the Pune Film Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support the art of cinema.

Apart from the cinematic experience, PIFF offers a great opportunity for networking and meeting like-minded people. The festival creates a unique atmosphere that brings together film lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals from all over the world. If you're a film enthusiast or an aspiring filmmaker, attending the Pune International Film Festival is a must. The festival promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees.

Chaturshringi Fair

Chaturshringi Fair is a grand celebration that takes place at the base of the Chaturshringi Pune Temples and pilgrimage sites, located in the heart of Pune. This fair is held annually in the month of December and is one of the most popular festivals in the city.

The Chaturshringi temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Maratha Empire, and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chaturshringi. The temple is located on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city.

During the Chaturshringi Fair, the streets around the temple come alive with vibrant colors, music, and dance performances. The fair showcases the rich culture and traditions of Maharashtra, with stalls selling local handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and food. Visitors can also enjoy a range of exciting activities such as camel and horse rides, carnival games, and cultural programs.

The highlight of the Chaturshringi Fair is the grand procession that takes place on the first day of the festival. The procession features beautifully decorated floats, traditional dancers, and musicians, and attracts thousands of visitors from across the city.

If you're planning a trip to Pune in December, be sure to add the Chaturshringi Fair to your must-visit list. This festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and witness the vibrant energy of Pune's locals.

Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav

The Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is one of the most prestigious music festivals in Pune, and is a must-attend event for any music enthusiast. This festival is a celebration of the Indian classical music tradition, and is held annually in Pune in the month of December.
The festival was started in the year 1953 by the legendary musician Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, and has since then become a platform for many renowned classical musicians to showcase their talent. The festival features performances by some of the biggest names in the Indian classical music scene, and attracts music lovers from all over the country.

Apart from the main performances, the festival also includes various workshops and seminars on different aspects of Indian classical music, which are conducted by eminent musicians and scholars. The festival also provides a platform for young and upcoming musicians to showcase their talent and get noticed by the music industry.

Attending the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav is not just a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage of India, but also a wonderful opportunity to witness some of the most talented musicians in the country perform live. If you are a music lover, make sure to mark your calendar for this amazing festival.

Pune Food Festival

Pune is a city that is famous for its delicious cuisine, and the Pune Food Festival is an event that foodies cannot afford to miss. This festival brings together the best of Pune's culinary world, and visitors can sample a vast array of dishes from different parts of India and the world. From street food to gourmet cuisine, the Pune Food Festival has something for everyone.

The festival is a celebration of food, and visitors can watch live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, attend masterclasses, and take part in fun food-related activities. The festival also features food stalls, where visitors can purchase their favorite dishes and try new ones.

Apart from the food, the Pune Food Festival is also a great place to socialize and meet new people who share a love for food. The festival has a lively atmosphere, with live music and entertainment, making it a perfect place to spend a day with friends and family.

Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a fun day out, the Pune Food Festival should be on your list of must-attend events. The festival usually takes place in the winter months, so make sure to mark your calendars and get ready for a delicious adventure.