Pune Festival 2026: 38th Edition Inaugurated
The Pune Festival 2026 was inaugurated by Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Pune. It marked the festival’s 38th edition.
Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma and Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Sunetra Pawar attended. Chandrakant Patil, Ashish Shelar, Hema Malini, Medha Kulkarni and Sushil Kumar Shinde also attended.
Pune Festival 2026 celebrates heritage and talent
The Vice-President stressed that India must remember its history and sacrifices of its heroes. He recalled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and highlighted his contribution to preserving Hindu Dharma and civilisational heritage. He also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
He highlighted historical and cultural links between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. He noted that Tamil literary works are preserved at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur due to Maratha leaders.
International students from around 20 countries participated in the Traditional Ganesh Worship programme. The Vice-President described their participation as an expression of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
Focus on young artists and cultural heritage
Pune has developed as a centre for education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism and horticulture. At the same time, it has retained its cultural identity. The festival has helped Pune gain recognition as a “City of Festivals”.
The Vice-President appreciated Ugavate Tare and Indradhanu for supporting emerging artists. Highlighted the Mahila Mahotsav, which provides women artists with a platform to showcase their talent.
VP said development should go together with heritage preservation. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” vision. He added that festivals support cultural exchange, tourism, local talent and national integration.
The Vice-President presented the Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor Shri Mohan Joshi for his contribution to Indian cinema and performing arts.
