Pimpri: Over the past few years, Diwali in Pimpri-Chinchwad has come to symbolize a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with early morning oil baths, festive lights, and delicious snacks now accompanied by melodious musical performances.

This trend has taken hold across the city, with various organizations, including the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, social groups, cultural platforms, and local leaders, stepping forward to organize “Diwali Pahat” events.

Reflecting Pune’s cultural heritage, the twin city of Pimpri-Chinchwad has embraced this festive format, and the popularity of Diwali Pahat programs has been growing significantly.

This year, with Diwali stretching across six days, musical performances and cultural events will kick off from Dhanteras on October 29. Several major theater halls in the city have already been booked for these festivities, highlighting the increasing demand.

Leading cultural organizations, including IMA Pimpri-Chinchwad, Rotary Club, and Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial Foundation, have scheduled Diwali Pahat programs at Prof. Ramkrishna More Auditorium, while the Municipal Corporation will host a special Diwali Pahat event featuring renowned singer Ajit Kadkade at the G. D. Madgulkar Auditorium in Pradhikaran on Dhanteras.

Rising Popularity of Diwali Pahat in Housing Societies

The surge in townships and large housing societies in Pimpri-Chinchwad has brought residents from various parts of the city together.

These societies are now actively organizing light music concerts as part of their Diwali Pahat celebrations, featuring both Marathi and Hindi songs. Due to the overwhelming positive response from residents, many housing societies have planned to host these events again this year.

Speaking about the growing popularity, Ravindra Ghavate, President of Pimpri-Chinchwad Literary Forum, shared, "Diwali Pahat doubles the festive joy and provides an opportunity for people to gather.

The response has been increasing year by year. For the past decade, we have also been organizing the 'Diwali Sanj' program for literary figures, which has received great feedback."

Assistant Commissioner of the Sports Department, Pankaj Patil, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Every year, the Municipal Corporation’s Diwali Pahat event draws a fantastic response from the audience.

This year, we have organized it on Dhanteras at the G. D. Madgulkar Auditorium, and entry will be free for all.”