“The tradition of public Ganeshotsav in Pune is long-standing and glorious. Over time, the nature of this festival has evolved. However, keeping in mind our social responsibility, we must all celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner, and processions should be conducted without DJs, using traditional instruments,” asserted Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s Guardian Minister, Ajit Pawar, on Friday.
Pic credit: M Fahim
The inauguration of the 36th Pune Festival took place on Friday evening, with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presiding over the ceremony. The inaugural event was made more grand by a packed cultural program that offered both entertainment and artistic delight. The event, held at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Swargate, Pune, was attended by prominent figures such as Satej Patil, Congress Group Leader in the Legislative Council, Pune Festival Founder Suresh Kalmadi, Meera Kalmadi, MP Medha Kulkarni, MP Sunetra Pawar, Pune Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, Tourism Deputy Director Shama Pawar, Ulhasdada Pawar, Krishnakumar Goyal, Adv. Abhay Chhajed, Dr. Satish Desai, MLA Ravindra Dhangekar, Mary France Alans, and Dr. Bhagyashree Patil.
Pic credit: M Fahim
The Pune Festival is organized jointly by the Pune Festival Committee, Pune residents, the Maharashtra Tourism Directorate, and the Government of India’s Tourism Department. During this event, prominent individuals who have excelled in various fields over a long period were honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and the ‘Pune Festival Award.’ Senior cartoonist Sh. D. Phadnis and Senior Education Expert, Chancellor of Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Dr. P.D. Patil, were awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by Ajit Pawar. Additionally, senior IT expert Dr. Deepak Shikarpur, Founder President of the ‘Sarhad’ organization Sanjay Nahar, and Devaram Gorde of the Jai Malhar Agro Tourism Center at Morachi Chincholi, a popular tourist spot, were honored with the ‘Pune Festival Award.’
Every year, during the Pune Festival, mandals celebrating the centenary of the public Ganeshotsav are honored with the ‘Jai Ganesh Award’ in memory of the late Prataprao, alias Tatya Godse, from the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust. This year, the Ganesh Peth Pangul Ali Public Ganpati Trust was honored with this award. Paralympic silver medalist Sachin Khilari was also recognized.
Pic credit: M Fahim
Ajit Pawar further stated, “The Pune Festival has successfully completed a glorious 35 years, for which Suresh Kalmadi and his entire team deserve credit. Kalmadi elevated the Pune Festival to an international level, inviting many national and international artists, distinguished guests, tourists, diplomatic officials, and celebrities to the festival’s platform. Numerous renowned artists have been invited to showcase their art, while young artists were given a platform. Special initiatives were organized for women, and organizations that conducted constructive work and contributed to society were specially honored. The responsibility for continuing this work now rests with Krishnakumar Goyal, Adv. Abhay Chhajed, and their team. These individuals will once again restore the festival to its former grandeur and glory. Ganeshotsav is a festival of joy, energy, and vibrancy, so maintain social harmony and ensure no conflicts arise. Remember the sentiment Lokmanya Tilak had when he gave this festival a social dimension, and enjoy the celebration.”
Satej Patil reminisced about old memories of the Pune Festival, saying, “I used to attend as a spectator, and today, I’m here as a special guest, which brings me joy. Kalmadi and his collaborators have taken this festival to an international level while preserving its message of social commitment.”
Pic Credit: M Fahim
MP Medha Kulkarni added, “The festival is now 36 years old, and it seems as though the festival’s 36 qualities have come together. The legacy of this festival started by Lokmanya Tilak will become even more prominent, and we will enjoy it while preserving its traditions.”
While accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, S D Phadnis expressed gratitude to the organizers and demonstrated how, even at 100 years of age, he could still walk briskly, eliciting loud applause from the audience.
Dr PD Patil remarked, “This award has increased my sense of responsibility. The fact that leaders from all political parties come together on this platform is significant to me. The presence of distinguished artists and the cultural energy generated by their artistic expressions here is noteworthy. Even today, Ganeshotsav has become a people’s movement, with the festival upholding the mantra of national unity. Let us all preserve this mantra of unity in diversity.”
Credit: M Fahim
Deepak Shikarpur shared his thoughts, “I have witnessed the transformation of the festival over the past 40 years. Ganeshotsav is like the soul of Pune’s culture, and the Pune Festival has given it an international dimension. In the future, the festival should embrace cutting-edge technology.”
The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Yogesh Deshpande in Marathi and Apoorva Modak in English, with a vote of thanks by Krishnakumar Goyal.
Credit: M Fahim
