Pune, also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is a vibrant city located in western India. Pune is renowned for its rich history, delectable cuisine, and numerous educational institutions. It is the second-largest city in the state of Maharashtra, after Mumbai. It offers something for everyone; whether you are a student, a sports fan, a history buff, or someone who loves food, you are sure to find plenty to do in Pune.
One must also experience the vibrant culture of Pune and its wonderful festivities! From traditional festivals such as Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Holi to music fests, food fairs, and other events, Pune celebrates with tremendous enthusiasm and vigour. Join in and let the dynamic energy of Pune fill your heart with joy!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the festivals and events in Pune that you should attend to experience the city’s vibrant culture:
Concerts/Music Festivals –
Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is known for hosting some of the best music concerts in India. The city has been a hub for music enthusiasts, and it is evident in the number of gigs and music events that take place throughout the year. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best concerts in Pune that are going to happen in 2023.
1. Sawai Gandharva Festival:
Sawai Gandharva Festival is one of the most famous music festivals in Pune, held every year in December. It is a three-day-long festival that celebrates Indian classical music and brings together some of the country’s best musicians to perform on a single platform. The festival aims to showcase the beauty and intricacies of Indian classical music.
2. DJ Chetas Xylobands India Tour (Pune)
DJ Chetas, whose real name is Chetas Shah, is one of the most popular and acclaimed DJs in India. He has been ranked as one of the top 100 DJs in the world for four consecutive years by the prestigious DJ Mag. In 2012, he was signed by Universal Music India for his remix of the song “Tum Hi Ho” from the film Aashiqui 2. Since then, he has been a regular contributor to Bollywood music and has done remixes for many popular songs. He is known for his unique style of blending Bollywood hits with other music genres such as hip-hop, house, and EDM. DJ Chetas has also performed at many music festivals and concerts in India and around the world and on 2nd April he will be performing live in Pune.
Category – Pop, Punjabi | English, Hindi | 21yrs + | 5hrs
When – Sun 02 Apr 2023 at 8:30 PM
Where – Dimora Dance & Kitchen: Pune
Cost – ? 1,999 onwards
2. Kailash Kher Live In Concert
Kailash Kher is a renowned Indian singer and composer, whose music reflects the beauty and richness of Indian culture. His music is known for its Sufi-inspired themes and deep-rooted folk traditions. He started his music career by singing jingles for advertisements and later moved into playback singing for Bollywood films. His breakthrough moment came with the release of his debut album, “Kailasa,” which was a massive hit in India and internationally. He has won several Filmfare Awards and Indian Music awards for his work in Bollywood movies and his solo albums.
Category – Folk, Fusion | Hindi | 2hrs
When – Sat 22 Apr 2023 at 7:02 PM
Where – Phoenix Market City, Pune
Cost – ? 499 onwards
3. Sonu Nigam Live Pune
Sonu Nigam has over 700 songs to his credit, in several Indian languages such as Hindi, Kannada, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. His songs are known for their versatility, soulful melody, and deep-rooted emotions. Some of his most popular songs include “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” “Kal Ho Na Ho,” “Sandese Aate Hai,” and “Yeh Dil Deewana.” In addition to his singing, Sonu Nigam has also acted in a few films and judged several reality music shows in India. He is well-known for his flawless singing and ability to mesmerize audiences with his soulful voice.
This April, get ready to witness his soulful voice which will make you feel nostalgic.
Category – Bollywood | Hindi | 3hrs 30mins
When – Sun 23 Apr 2023 at 6:30 PM
Where – Pandit Farms: Pune
Cost – ? 500 onwards
4. Asha Bhosle Live – Pune
Asha Bhosle is an Indian playback singer who has been active in the music industry for over six decades. This legendary singer began her music career at the age of 10 and later became one of the most prominent singers in the history of Indian cinema. Asha Bhosle has recorded over 12,000 songs in various languages. Some of her most popular songs include “In Aankhon Ki Masti,” “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja,” “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko,” and “Dum Maro Dum.” Don’t miss this golden opportunity to witness this legend live in Pune on 5th May…so book your tickets now!!
Category – Bollywood, Retro | Hindi, Marathi | 3hrs
When – Fri 05 May 2023 at 7:00 PM
Where – Pandit Farms, Pune
Cost – ? 500
Comedy Shows/Stand-Ups –
Stand-up comedy is considered to be one of the most challenging genres of entertainment. It is an exciting form of entertainment that involves a comedian standing on stage and delivering a series of jokes, stories, and observations to make the audience ROAR with laughter. The comedian must rely on their wit, timing, and impeccable delivery to put on a captivating performance that keeps the audience enthralled throughout the entire show. Zakir Khan, Biswa Kalyan Rath and Vir Das are some of the famous stand-up comedians in India and they have mastered the art of making people laugh and have earned a loyal fan base.
1. Pune Comedy Festival 2023 –
Gather your friends and family and join in the fun at the 5th edition of the Pune Comedy Festival! You’ll be treated to a fantastic selection of talented comedians from across the country, ready to make you chuckle, guffaw and giggle. With all the top-notch comedians, the stage will be full of laughter and entertainment that will keep you in stitches. Spend the weekend in good humour with some of the most prominent comedians, such as Zakir Khan, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Samay Raina and many more! Book your tickets ASAP because this show is going to be a blasttt!!
Category – Comedy | English, Hindi | 16yrs + | 5hrs
When – Fri 07 Apr 2023 – Sun 09 Apr 2023
Where – Mayfield Estate, Pune
Cost – ? 1,399 onwards
2. Vipul Goyal Unleashed –
Vipul Goyal is a renowned Indian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, who is famed for his distinctive approach to comedy which often pokes fun at the peculiarities of everyday life. He gained popularity after his first appearance on the well-known TV program “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge”. He was also the presenter of the successful comedy show “Humorously Yours” for the Viral Fever (TVF) platform, and was very much appreciated by the Indian viewers.
The creator of the highly acclaimed web series “Humorously Yours”, will bring his store of witty jokes and popular punchlines to your city for a live show. Get ready to roar with laughter like a hyena!
Category – Comedy Shows | 1hr 15mins
When – Sun 11 Jun 2023 at 6:00 PM
Where – Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Hall: Pune
Cost – ? 699 onwards
3. Local Comedy Nights at Hinjewadi –
Come and join them at Local Gastro Bar in Hinjewadi on Thursdays for an amazing evening of comedy! This curated line-up show, presented by Local Comedy Nights and Orange Comedy Club, will feature the funniest comics performing their best jokes. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to enjoy yourself in a fantastic venue. And the best part is that it’s free of cost…what else do you need?
Category – Comedy Shows | English, Hindi | 1hr
When – Thu 30 Mar 2023 – Thu 27 Apr 2023
Where – Local Gastro Bar, Hinjawadi, Pune
Cost – IT’S FREE
4. Gaurav Gupta Live – Stand-Up Comedy Show
Gaurav Gupta is an Indian comedian, writer, and actor. He is one of the pioneers of the Indian stand-up comedy scene and is known for his unique brand of observational humour. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a scriptwriter and later turned to stand-up comedy. He has also worked on several popular TV shows like “The Big Mic” and “Comedy Ka Rocket”. His work has earned him a loyal fan base and has helped to establish him as one of the top comedians in the country.
Category – Comedy | Hindi, English | 16yrs + | 1hr
When – Sat 01 Apr 2023 – Sun 07 May 2023
Where – Multiple Venues
Cost – ? 499 onwards
Apart from all these events, Pune is majorly famous for its Religious Festivals
1. Palkhi Festival –
Palkhi Festival is a traditional procession that takes place in Pune every year in June. The festival involves a journey on foot by devotees who march with the idol of Saint Tukaram, a 17th-century saint, and poet. The procession covers a distance of around 200 km from the Dehu and Alandi temples to the Pandharpur temple in Maharashtra.
2. Ganesh Chaturthi –
This ten-day festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the city of Pune. The city is splendidly decorated with vibrant lights and there are temporary structures, known as pandals, set up where devotees offer prayers and perform aarti.
3. Diwali –
Diwali, commonly referred to as the festival of lights, is a big occasion celebrated in Pune. To mark the occasion, households are illuminated with diyas and candles, and the atmosphere is further enlivened with fireworks.
4. Gudhi Padwa –
On the occasion of Goodhi Padwa, the Marathi community in Pune celebrates the start of a new year on the Hindu calendar. People display a goodhi (a beautiful silk cloth) at their front doors and pay their respects to Lord Brahma.
This city also celebrates some unique events every year –
1. Pune International Literary Festival:
The Pune International Literary Festival is a two-day event held in September that brings together writers, publishers, and literature enthusiasts from around the world. The festival hosts readings, book launches, discussions, and debates on a variety of literary topics.
2. Pune International Film Festival –
The Pune International Film Festival offers a platform for independent filmmakers from all across the globe to display their work. This week-long event involves screenings, educational workshops, and thought-provoking conversations about filmmaking.
3. Pune Running Beyond Myself –
Pune Running Beyond Myself is a yearly marathon that promotes a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. This event provides a variety of running activities for people of all ages and abilities.
4. Pune Heritage Festival –
The Pune Heritage Festival is a celebration of the city’s cultural legacy. It is a weeklong extravaganza that includes guided tours of heritage sites, lectures on local history, and exhibitions of Pune’s art, culture, and heritage.
In all, Pune is an amazing destination for anyone looking to experience its rich cultural heritage and contemporary diversity. From music lovers to foodies, and movie buffs to literature enthusiasts, Pune has something for everyone! If you’re planning a visit to Pune, be sure to check out the fantastic festivals and events on offer – it’s the perfect way to get a feel of the city’s vibrant culture!
