Pune: PMC Launches Fourth Edition of Pune Kids Festival with Focus on “Less Screen, More Play”
Pune: PMC Launches Fourth Edition of Pune Kids Festival with Focus on “Less Screen, More Play”
Pune, December 11, 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced the fourth edition of the Pune Kids Festival, scheduled from December 11 to 14, 2025, at Sarasbaug, Pune. The festival was inaugurated today at 10:30 am by Additional Municipal Commissioner Pawneet Kaur (IAS), Sahitya Akademi award-winning children’s author Rajiv Tambe, and renowned actress Mrunmayee Deshpande.
Attracting over 1.5 lakh parents and young children every year, the festival offers a wide range of engaging, interactive activities specially designed for parents, newborns, and children. This year’s theme, “Less Screen, More Play,” highlights the importance of reducing screen time and promoting play-based learning, while placing special emphasis on parental health, mental well-being, and early childhood development—areas often overlooked despite being crucial for children aged 0 to 6.
Experts highlighted that the early years of a child’s life are vital for rapid cognitive, social, physical, and sensory development. In today’s fast-paced digital world, both parents and children face increasing pressures, making it essential to guide families with better parenting tools, mental health awareness, and developmental support.
To address this, PMC has collaborated with over 30 social and government organisations working in early childhood development to create a meaningful, playful, and educational experience for families. The festival includes multiple sessions for parents on topics such as digital-age parenting and strengthening father–child communication during early years.
Under the Nurturing Neighbourhoods 2.0 initiative, Pune has been recognised as an Urban95 Lighthouse City, working to integrate child- and parent-centric planning in urban development. The city has also promoted outdoor activities by organising child–parent meets in public parks and neighbourhoods.
Speaking at the inauguration, Pawneet Kaur (IAS) said, “This year’s festival encourages families to reduce screen time and embrace more play. For parents, we have introduced the ‘Care Pavilion’, offering a space to reflect on their parenting journey, understand challenges, and discover practical solutions for better well-being.”
Children’s author Rajiv Tambe captivated the young audience with short stories and emphasised the importance of playful parenting, saying, “Childhood is a crucial stage not just for children, but for parents too. Festivals like this remind us to bring more play into our everyday lives.”
Chief guest Mrunmayee Deshpande highlighted the significance of early childhood conversations, stating, “Topics like postpartum depression and early childcare often don’t get discussed enough. PMC’s efforts to promote awareness in a fun, engaging way are commendable.”
The festival is free for all families from December 11 to 14, and PMC has urged all Pune residents to participate in large numbers and benefit from the rich lineup of activities and resources available.
