Before the diyas are lit and faral is savored, Pune’s Diwali begins in the quiet darkness, awakened by soulful swaras. The city’s cherished Diwali Pahat tradition will once again unfold across various morning gatherings—each unique in mood and style, yet united by the same ritual of music and tradition.At the iconic Tilak Smarak Mandir, the festivities kick off at 6 am on Monday, October 20. Curator Mandar Bapat sets the tone with a blend of gharana discipline and folk vibrancy, featuring Marathi and Hindi classics alongside Bhupali, Ovi, Gondhal, Lavani, and Lokgeet.
Vocalists Chandrashekhar Mahamuni, Radhika Atre, and Rashmi Moghe perform with orchestra, bringing a rich tapestry of sound.“There’s something magical about Diwali Pahat—the music greeting the first rays of the sun. It feels as if the city itself is singing,” says Chetan Desai, an engineer and attendee.Continuing a tradition over four decades old, the Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Foundation hosts the 32nd Diwali Pahat Mehfil at Ramkrishna More Auditorium at 6:30 am the same day.
The program weaves classical and semi-classical melodies with performances by Bhagyesh Marathe, grandson of Pt. Ram Marathe, and acclaimed singer Bhakti Gokhale Page.The city’s free and open celebration is anchored by Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal Mehfil at Bharat Natya Mandir at 7 am on Monday. Esteemed artists Viraj Joshi, Sawani Shende, Shrinivas Joshi, and Upendra Bhat carry forward a musical lineage deeply treasured by Punekars.Viraj Joshi shares,
“This year, we’ll present classical music, bhajans, and thumris, accompanied by peti, tabla, and even keyboard. Our repertoire will span from pure classical to popular movie songs, offering a fresh and unique experience for the audience.”Upendra Bhat adds, “I’ll perform Gujri Todi and a composition by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi titled ‘Chiranjeev Raho.’
Diwali morning is auspicious, and music spreads joy and happiness.”On Wednesday, October 22 at 6 am, Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha hosts Aarohi Prastut: Diwali Padwa Pahat—a vibrant festival of song, flute, dance, narration, poetry, and literature. The event features Amar Oak, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Sharayu Date, and Limca record-holder Prashant Naseri, with Ketaki Kulkarni anchoring and Avinash Kulkarni producing.
