Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Pune Festival Celebrates 38 Years of Culture and Unity
The Pune Festival is a large cultural celebration in its 38th year.
It brings together people from different religions, regions and language groups.
The festival was started by Suresh Kalmadi in 1989.
Its goal was to showcase Pune, welcome tourists and give artists a place to perform.
It includes music, poetry, theatre and traditional performances.
Muslim poetry and Sufi music are presented alongside celebrations connected with Lord Ganesha.
Artists and students from many parts of India have taken part.
This year’s festival remembers Suresh Kalmadi and is being organized by a committee and volunteers.
The Pune Festival is marking its 38th year as a celebration of cultural heritage, national integration and interfaith harmony.
Suresh Kalmadi conceived the festival in 1989 to promote tourism, attract renowned artists and support local talent.
The festival draws inspiration from Lokmanya Tilak’s Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav and its traditions of collective celebration.
Its programs have included All India Mushaira, Sufi Qawwali, Hindi poetry, regional performances, Carnatic music and theatre.
This year’s festival is dedicated to Suresh Kalmadi, with Chandrakant Patil serving as Advisory Committee Chairman.
- Who
- The Pune Festival committee, artists, volunteers and participants from diverse faiths and regions; Suresh Kalmadi conceived the festival.
- What
- The 38th Pune Festival is celebrating Indian culture, national integration and interfaith harmony through performances and literary events.
- When
- The festival is in its 38th year; the article does not specify exact dates for this year’s events.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- It was created to attract tourists, promote Pune’s cultural profile, bring renowned artists to the city and provide a platform for local talent.
- Festival edition
- 38th year
- Founded
- Conceived in 1989 by Suresh Kalmadi
- Cultural inspiration
- Lokmanya Tilak’s Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav
- Featured programs
- All India Mushaira, Sufi Qawwali and All India Hindi Kavi Sammelan
- Regional representation
- Performances and showcases from Kerala, Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab, the North-East and Kashmir
- This year’s dedication
- The festival is dedicated to the memory of Suresh Kalmadi
- Advisory Committee Chairman
- Chandrakant Patil