29th Pune Navratri Mahotsav To Be Inaugurated By Supriya Sule On October 15

The ‘Pune Navratro Mahotsav,’ a dazzling tapestry interwoven with art, culture, music, dance, devotion, and literature unfolds its splendor over ten exhilarating days during Navratra, proudly marking its 29th year with radiating boundless joy and energy. 

The grand inauguration, set to unfold on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 5:30 pm, graced by Nationalist Congress Party Working President, Supriya Sule (MP), at Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Swargate, Pune, promising an enriching cultural extravaganza for all. 

Ulhas Dada Pawar ex-MLC and senior Gandhian thinker will preside over the function will be the chief guests, said organizing President of Pune Navratri Mahotsav and ex Deputy Mayor of Pune, Aba Bagul.

Special Attraction-  The opening ceremony will also feature renowned actresses Amrita Dhongde, Hemangi Kavi, Bhargavi Chirmule, Sania Chaudhary, Aditi Dravid, Rujuta Soman, Karthiki Adamane, Vaishali Jadhav, Shweta Pardeshi, Saili Paradkar, along with the esteemed dance choreographer Nikita Moghe.

Shri Laxmimata Jeevan Gaurav Award – Every year at the inaugural function, distinguished individuals excelling in various fields are bestowed with the prestigious ‘Shri Laxmimata Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar.’ 

This year, the honor will be conferred upon notable personalities including Dr. Sanjay Malpani (renowned industrialist), Dr. Asmita Jagtap (Executive Director, Bharti Hospital, Pune), Swagat Thorat (artist, wildlife photographer, editor, and director), Dr. Ganesh Chandanshive (folk artist), and Rupa and Deepa Parbhanikar (Lavani empress) as a tribute to their exceptional contributions during the inauguration ceremony.

Grand opening ceremony 12 consecutive hours Lavani Mahotsav, Shri Laxmimata Jeevan Gaurav Award, Maharishi Award, ‘Sweet 90 Asha’ on the occasion of Ganakokila Asha Bhosle’s 90th birthday, Marathi poets meet, ‘Vinodveer Atre’ on the 125th birth anniversary of Acharya Atre, ‘Ek Sham Dev Anand Ke Naam’ on the occasion of Actor Dev Anand’s birth centenary year, ‘Shivarajyabhishek’ on the occasion of the 350th year of Shri Charapati Shivaji Maharaja’s coronation,  ‘Mahanayika of Maharashtra’ a tribute to legendary women’s power,  ‘O Mere Dilke Chain’ on the death anniversary of veteran singer Kishore Kumar, ‘Yada Kadachit Returns’ a comedy drama, scheduled daily from 15th to 24th October at 7:00 pm, will culminate at Shree Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Swargate, Pune, promising a remarkable cultural spectacle.

Ghatasthapana On Sunday, October 15th, at 8:15 am, Jayashree and Aba Bagul will formally conduct the Ghatasthapana at the Shri Lakshmimata temple in Shivdarshan, Pune, an auspicious event in this revered festival.

The event will be graced by notable figures such as Dr. Vishwajit Kadam (ex-Minister of State), Vandana Chavan (MP), Madhuri Misal (MLA), Sangram Thopte (MLA), Ravindra Dhangekar (MLA), Mohan Joshi (ex MLC), Deepti Chavdhari (ex MLC), Arvind Shinde (President, Pune City District Congress Party), Ramesh Bagwe (ex-State Minister for Home), Balasaheb Shivarkar (ex-State Minister), Adv. Abhay Chhajed (General Secretary, MPCC), Kamal Vyavhare (ex-Mayor of Pune), Prashant Jagtap (President, Pune City Nationalist Congress Party), Sanjay More (Pune City Chief, Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Party), Vishal Chordia (Industrialist), Sudhir Wagholikar (Industrialist), Vikram Kumar (PMC Commissioner) and Ritesh Kumar (Police Commissioner, Pune)

Train of colourful cultural programs as tradition dictates, this year’s opening ceremony promises to be truly spectacular. The event will kick off with the enchanting melodies of the clarinet, setting a captivating ambiance. Following the traditional lighting of the lamp to inaugurate the festival, there will be aarti dedicated to the goddess. 

Following this auspicious ritual, the stage will come alive with a mesmerizing performance titled ‘Om Kalika,’ presented by renowned choreographer Shama Bhate and co-artists from Pune’s ‘Nadarup Sansthan’. Later, ‘Amba Aali O Pauli – Goddess Gondhal and Jagar’ will be beautifully presented by Swati Dhokte along with Vinod Dhokte. They will also orchestrate an event titled ‘Shivarajyabhishek’ in commemoration of the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. Followed by the mesmerizing dance performance ‘Bollywood Dhamaka’ by the talented artists of Sandy Dance Academy, the esteemed dance choreographer Nikita Moghe will present ‘Maharashtra Mahanayika,’ a production by ‘Payalvrund’ with captivating dance performance by renowned actresses Amrita Dhongde, Hemangi Kavi, Bhargavi Chiramule, Sania Chaudhary, Aditi Dravid, Rujuta Soman, Karthiki Adamane, Vaishali Jadhav, Shweta Pardeshi, and Saili Paradkar.

After the inauguration ceremony, the captivating musical spectacle ‘Sweet 90 Asha’ will adorn the stage at Shree Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch at 7:00 pm. 

To celebrate the legendary Asha Bhosle’s 90th birthday, Geetanjali Jedhe, Ajay Dudhvade, and other skilled co-singers and musicians will enthrall the audience with 90 soul-stirring songs performed by her. The compilation has been artfully curated by Anuradha Bharti.

Details of Cultural Program on Sunday 15th the captivating musical spectacle ‘Sweet 90 Asha’ will adorn the stage at Shree Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch at 7:00 pm. To celebrate the legendary Asha Bhosle’s 90th birthday.

 On Monday, 16th, at 7:00 p.m., ‘Marathi Paaul Padte Pudhe,’ a masterpiece of Maharashtra’s rich culture, will be showcased by Kala Ranjana. This exceptional production has been conceptualized, directed, and produced by Uday Satam, with co-production by Jyoti Uday Satam.

On Tuesday, 17th, at 7:00 p.m., TDM will present ‘Retro Se Metro,’ featuring a stellar lineup including Vivek Pandey, Ganesh More, Charulata and Tejaswini. The music and coordination for the event will be skillfully handled by Mukesh Dedhia.

On Wednesday, 18th, at 7:00 p.m., ‘Samvad, Pune’ will host a program ‘Vinodveer Atre.’ This exclusive event is being presented in celebration of the centenary silver jubilee year of notable comedy writer P.K. Atre. The creative concept behind this program is crafted by Sunil Mahajan of ‘Samwad, Pune’, while the writing and screenplay will be skillfully curated by Ravindra Khare. The musical performances will feature the talented vocalists Sanjay Mehendale and Manisha Nischal, with choreography expertly arranged by renowned choreographer Nikita Moghe.

On Thursday, 19th, at 7:00 p.m., a program ‘O Mere Dil Ke Chain’ show will be showcased by esteemed vocalists Jitendra Bhuruk, Charu Patankar, and Kalyani Deshpande, accompanied by talented orchestra artists, will deliver a soulful tribute featuring a medley of Hindi songs in remembrance of the late veteran singer Kishore Kumar on his death anniversary.

On Friday, 20th, at 7.00 p.m., Soham Productions and Bhumika Theatres will present a Marathi comedy drama ‘Yada Kadachit Returns’. The production is by Mansi Kelkar with notable comedians. It has been crafted and directed by Santosh Pawar.

On Saturday, 21st, at 7.00 p.m., ‘Swaranjali’ program will be presented, featuring the renowned Mumbai-based singer Raviraj Naseri, who will enthrall the audience with a captivating performance of classic Hindi songs and ghazals.

‘Lavani Mahotsav’ will be presented on Sunday, 22nd, from 12 noon to 12 midnight. This unique 12-hour Lavani Mahotsav, initiated by the Pune Navratro  Mahotsav in Maharashtra, has become the highlight of the event. Featuring six Lavani groups and over 100 Lavani artists, it promises an unforgettable celebration of this traditional dance form. In this event, the lavani program ‘Tumchyasathi Kayapan’ will be graced by the presence of lavani empresses Poonam Kudalkar and Mrinal Lonkar. The Lavani program ‘Natkhat Sundara’ will feature the talented Lavani dancer Aarti Punekar and Samridhi Punekar. Additionally, ‘Shivanicha Naad Khula’ will showcase film actress Shivani Kore and Kavya Mumbaikar. A vibrant program ‘Lavani Dhamaka’ will be showcased by dancers Sonali Jalgaonkar and Sheetal Punekar. ‘Aho Naad Khula’ will feature famous dancers Maya Khutegaonkar and Archana Javalekar to the stage, while the Lavani program ‘Tujyat Jeev Rangala’ will be performed by dancers Namita Patil and Prachi Mumbaikar. All these dance performances will be accompanied by several co- artists.

On Monday, 23rd, at 7.00 p.m., the enchanting ‘Marathi Kavi Samelan’ will grace the evening. Esteemed poet Ramdas Phutane will moderate the event, featuring renowned poets Ashok Naigaonkar (Mumbai), Vaibhav Joshi (Pune), Sanjeevini Talegaonkar (Jalna), Prashant More (Kalyan), Tukaram Dhande (Igatpuri), Bharat Daundkar (Nimgaon Mhalunge), Prashant Kendale (Nashik), and Anil Dixit (Pune). This event promises the presence of popular poets and a night filled with poetic brilliance.

The 29th ‘Pune Navratro Mahotsav’ will culminate on Tuesday, 24th, on the auspicious day of Dussehra. On this day at 7.00 p.m., ‘Sur Palvi’ will present the program ‘Ek Shaam Dev Anand Ke Naam.’ This special program, dedicated to the birth centenary year of the legendary cine superstar Dev Anand, has been conceptualized by Sanjay Hivarale. The musical composition and vocals will be delivered by Pallavi Pataki – Dhole, accompanied by Rafi Habib, Santosh Gaikwad, Vinod Narwade, with a grand orchestra.

The opening ceremony of ‘Pune Navratro Mahotsav’ at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch and all the daily cultural programs will telecast live on ICC Cable Network, GTPL Cable Network, Next Generation Cable Network and SCC Cable Network in Pune.

The Pune Navratro Mahotsav, spanning 10 days during Navratra for last consecutive 29 years, stands as Maharashtra’s grandest cultural celebration and is entirely free for all. Within this festival, the Pune Navratra Mahila Mahotsav has been a cherished tradition.

Ghanshyam Sawant (Secretary), Shree Ganesh Co-op. Bank Ltd. Pune Chairman Nandkumar Bangude (Treasurer), Nandkumar Kondhalkar (Secretary), Shree Ganesh Co-op. Bank Ltd. Pune Director Ramesh Bhandari (Member) Sunil Mahajan (Cultural Head). Noteworthy religious events, including Ghatasthapana, Pooja and other rituals, will be overseen by Vedamurthy Shrikant Dandavate Guruji and Hotilal Sharma Guruji.