Festivals

This is arguably the biggest and most important festival in Pune. A 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Pune’s public celebration of Ganeshotsav has a rich historical and cultural significance, initiated by Lokmanya Tilak. The entire city transforms with elaborate decorations, vibrant processions, and cultural programs held at various pandals (temporary temples). The immersion procession on the final day, Anant Chaturdashi, is a spectacular event. The “Manache Ganpati” (five revered Ganpati idols) are a major focus.

Janmashtami is a famous Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most loved and powerful incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated every year in the month of August or September, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Lord Krishna is known as the symbol of love, wisdom, kindness, and courage. He showed the right path of life through his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Why is Janmashtami Celebrated? (Mythological Story) According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva. At that time, Devaki’s brother King Kansa was a cruel ruler. It was predicted that Devaki’s eighth son would lead to his death. To protect Krishna from Kansa, Vasudeva secretly carried the newborn baby to Gokul across the Yamuna River and handed him over to Yashoda and Nanda. Krishna later grew up in Gokul and destroyed Kansa, thus ending evil and restoring peace. Janmashtami celebrates this victory of good over evil.

Here is a paragraph about Holi: Holi is a vibrant and ancient Hindu festival, popularly known as the “Festival of Colors,” that heralds the arrival of spring and signifies the victory of good over evil. Celebrated over two days, the festivities begin on the night of the full moon with Holika Dahan, where massive bonfires are lit to commemorate the mythological tale of Holika’s defeat and the survival of the devoted Prahlada. The following day, called Rangwali Holi, is a joyous, free-for-all carnival where people of all ages and backgrounds take to the streets to playfully chase and color one another with dry powders (gulal) and colored water. More than just a game, Holi is a crucial social equalizer—a day for forgetting resentments, forgiving debts, and strengthening communal bonds by singing, dancing, and sharing traditional sweets like gujiya.

Makar Sankranti, one of the most important harvest festivals of India, was celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm, spiritual devotion, and cultural richness. The festival marks the auspicious transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer, brighter days. From early morning, devotees thronged temples and riverbanks to take holy dips in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Godavari, Yamuna, and Krishna. Special Surya (Sun God) pujas were performed, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, and success. Temples across several states witnessed large congregations of devotees offering prayers. Colorful Kite Flying Becomes the Main Attraction Kite flying emerged as the main highlight of Makar Sankranti celebrations in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The sky was filled with thousands of vibrant kites as families gathered on rooftops and open grounds to enjoy the festive tradition. Cities such as Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, and Jaipur witnessed large-scale participation, with people enjoying friendly kite battles, festive music, and traditional food. Children and youth were seen actively participating throughout the day, adding energy and excitement to the celebrations. Traditional Sweets Add Flavor to the Festival Homes across the country prepared a wide variety of traditional Sankranti delicacies. In Maharashtra, til-gud laddoos were exchanged with the message of “Til-gud ghya, god god bola” (Eat sweets and speak sweetly). In South India, dishes like Pongal, ariselu, and sweet rice were prepared as part of the festive feast. Sesame seeds and jaggery, which are rich in nutrition and provide warmth during winter, played a key role in festival foods. Harvest Festival Celebrated with Gratitude Makar Sankranti also holds great importance as a harvest festival, especially in rural India. Farmers expressed gratitude to nature for a good crop season and prayed for future prosperity. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, while in Assam it is observed as Magh Bihu, and in Punjab as Lohri, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity.

Diwali, the much-awaited festival of lights, is being celebrated across India with great enthusiasm, devotion, and joy. Homes, markets, temples, and streets are beautifully illuminated with diyas and colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing festive atmosphere. People are dressed in new clothes, exchanging sweets and gifts, and coming together with family and friends to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Lakshmi Puja is being performed in households and business establishments, seeking blessings for wealth, peace, and prosperity. Markets are witnessing a massive rush as people shop for clothes, sweets, gold, and decorations. From small towns to big metro cities, the festive spirit of Diwali is clearly visible everywhere. At the same time, many cities are promoting an eco-friendly Diwali, encouraging people to reduce firecrackers and avoid pollution. Social organizations are distributing food, clothes, and gifts to the underprivileged, spreading the true message of Diwali – sharing happiness with all.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India and across the world. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesha is known as the god of wisdom, knowledge, success, and the remover of obstacles. The festival is celebrated with great devotion, enthusiasm, music, dance, and cultural programs. It usually falls in the months of August or September according to the Hindu calendar. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi has deep spiritual, cultural, and social significance. Before starting any new work, business, education, or journey, people worship Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings. He is believed to remove difficulties and bring prosperity and happiness. That is why this festival holds a special place in every Hindu household.