Culture Of Pune

 

Statue

Dhol Tasha Pathak

Pune, also called Poona, city, west-central Maharashtra state, western India, at the junction of the Mula and Mutha rivers. Called “Queen of the Deccan,” Pune is the cultural capital of the Maratha peoples. The city first gained importance as the capital of the Bhonsle Marathas in the 17th century. It is one of the most important industrial and educational hubs of India, with an estimated population of 7.4 million as of 2020.As of 2021, Pune Metropolitan Region is the largest in Maharashtra by area, with a geographical area of 7,256 sq km. It has been ranked "the most liveable city in India" several times. Pune is also considered to be the cultural and educational capital of Maharashtra.

                                               Historical attractions include the 8th century rock-cut Pataleshwar cave temple, the 18th century Shaniwarwada, the 19th century Aga Khan Palace, Lal Mahal and Sinhagad fort. Shinde Chhatri, located at Wanowrie, is a memorial dedicated to the great Maratha general, Mahadaji Shinde (Scindia).The old city had many residential buildings with courtyards called Wada. However, many of these have been demolished and replaced by modern buildings.

Apart from the traditional Maharashtrian cuisine Pune is famous for its Puran Poli, Pithla - Bhakri, Chitales's Bakarwadi, Mastani, Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Laxminarayan Best Chiwda, Indian Chat, Mango Barfi, Amrakhanda, Basundi, Modak, Karanji, Soonth Paak, Chakali, Surali Wadis, Kacchi Dabeli, Amti, Thali Peeth, Kobhi Zunka, Pitacgi Mirchi, Varhadi Aloo Bhat, Pavta Batata, Valachi Virdi, Nawabi Biryani, Kolhapuri Rassa, Papletchi Amti, Sukhi Kolmi and a number of other gourmet feasts.

Pune is the native land of the Ganesh Festival now celebrated nationwide with unparalleled zest and enthusiasm. It was here that Lokmanya Tilak introduced the conception of the ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav’. The Ganesh Festival is celebrated with supreme pomp and gusto in Pune every year in the month of August or September. Simultaneously with the 10 days long Ganeshotsav, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation organizes the month-long Pune Festival when the exuberant banquet of classical and Marathi folk dances, music concerts, theatre, film and drama festival, bike and car rallies, traditional sports and innumerable other events beckon millions of spectators from every corner of the country and globe.

Shaniwar Wada

Sawai Gandharva Music Festival organized in the month of December every year is yet another attraction of Pune culture. This 3 days long music festival is dedicated to the classical forms of Hindustani and Carnatic music where renowned artists from different parts of the country assemble and perform. Shaniwarwada Dance Festival held in the winter months showcases some of the best exponents of Indian classical dance. The beautifully illuminated Shaniwarwada serves as the backdrop of this festival.

Pune has also patronized Marathi theatre. Tilak Smarak Mandir, Bharat Natya Mandir, Bala Gandharva Rangmandir, Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagriha, Sudarshan Rangmanch etc are some of the foremost arenas that stage and promote both experimental as well as professional Marathi drama. Culture of pune is very amazing and I like this culture and entire Pune a lot.