Populated by a young and educated crowd, Pune’s vibrancy is well reflected in its annual events and festivals. Along with the usual Indian celebrations, mostly religious and national festivals, Pune has a few of its own delights for the calendar. The Pune Festival is such a major celebration of local music and dance, as well as drama and film, that it lasts a whole month!

Republic Day: This joyous occasion recognising the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950 is celebrated all around India,. The whole country celebrates with parades and folk-dancing.

Guru Ravi Dass Birthday: Sikhs all over India celebrate the birthday of the founder of the Sikh religion with religious readings and acts of devotion.

Festival of Colours: This massive festival is one of the most wonderful in India and is celebrated everywhere. It lasts 2 days in Pune, and on the second day locals pour cold coloured water on everyone around them. Additionally, there’s lots of drinking, eating and having a good time.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar's Birthday: This pioneer in the movement for equality between classes in India, Ambedkar is remembered as a great lawyer and a liberator of the Dalits – the Untouchables of India’s caste system.

Buddha Purnima: This day is a celebration of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Celebrations take place on the full moon in May. In Pune, this is a time to put on your best clothes and spend time with family and friends eating and praying.

Janmashtami Festival: On this day Pune celebrates Lord Krishna's birthday at midnight in the temples of Krishna throughout India with the re-enacted of his birth. The main place of celebration is in Mathura, where he was born; however, you’ll find Krishna temples in Pune hosting their own parties.

Ganapati (Ganesha) Festival: This is the communal celebration of the festival of Lord Ganesha that takes place in August or September. Neighbourhoods in Pune set up idols of Lord Ganesha, nestled in mythological settings, with lights and music. The festival lasts 10 days and ends with a bang – a carnival through the streets carrying the idols to be immersed in the river.

Pune Festival: This happens at the end of the Ganapati Festival - the start of the month-long Pune Festival hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Activities range from displays and competitions of traditional sports, to auto rallies, film and drama shows, musical performances and classical dance displays.

Dussehra Festival: This festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and lasts for 10 days, honouring Lord Rama and his victory over the demon Ravana, as well as the goddess Durga and her destruction of the demon Mahishasura (depending on where you are).

Gandhi Jayant: Held annually on the 2nd of October, this day is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Prayers are held at the Gandhi Samadhi at Rajghat, Delhi and celebrations are held all over the country to commemorate this great leader.

Diwali Festival: This is one of the biggest festivals in India. The name comes from deepawali, which means ‘row of lights’, and dates back from people illuminating their homes with oil lamps to welcome Lord Rama back from his 14 years of exile in the forest. Today, it is a ‘new year’ type celebration for business owners, and candles are lit and firecrackers set off. It’s a time to eat sweets, wear new clothes and play games of chance.

Children's Day: This festival takes place on the same day as the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. If you’re travelling with kids, they will take great delight in this day, when all children celebrate with a day of games and play. There are cultural programmes and fun events scheduled in Pune and other cities.

Sawaai Gandharva Music Festival: is a celebration of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. Famous artists from around India come to perform here throughout the 3-day festival, which is a highlight of Pune’s social calendar.