Pune
Festival is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
(MTDC), in the city of Pune. It takes place during the time when the
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India. The festival stretches
on for a period of around one month and has the basic aim of promoting
the culture of Maharashtra. One of the biggest festivals organized in
the city, Pune Festival begins on the day people install the idol of
Lord Ganesha in their home.
Throughout the days that follow, the whole of Pune gets immersed in the
colors of festivity. The activities that form a part of the festival
include displays and traditional sports competitions, film and drama
shows, classical dance performances, auto rallies, musical performances,
etc. Initially, Pune Festival was planned as a city-level cultural
event. However, with time it has started gaining more and more
recognition, especially with the involvement of national and
international artists as performers.
Today, the festival has gained the distinction of being one amongst the
most popular cultural events in the whole country. The laudable aspect
of Pune Festival is that it is being consistently and actively promoted
by the Government of India, in a large number of foreign countries. It
serves as the perfect platform for the exponents of classical performing
arts, to explore the rich classical dance and music of the country.
At the same time, it has helped both virtuosos and amateurs in the
field, to present their talents in front of an appreciative audience.
Pune Festival constantly endeavors to promote the modern trends in the
performing arts of India. It also aims to promote the traditional as
well as the dramatic arts of the different regions of the country. With
the constant support of Government and eminent personalities, the
festival will soon grow to be amongst the major attractions in India.