Pune: Museums in Pune were bustling with the weekend crowd comprising tourists and mostly children who were busy soaking in the culture and heritage as the world celebrated International Museum Day on Saturday.
The International Museum Day is observed worldwide by The International Council of Museums on May 18. This year’s theme was ‘Museums as cultural hubs of the future tradition’.
The famous Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Shukrawar Peth is one the oldest museums in Pune, visited by tourists and history enthusiasts. On Saturday, the museum that was decorated with flowers to mark the occasion, was buzzing throughout the day.
Visitors, mostly families, enjoyed the tour and were treated to five events at the venue. Two lectures -- on beauty culture of India by Leena Khandekar and on history of the museum, with special focus on its arms and armour by art historian Dr Ganesh Raut -- were held.
Museum employees were felicitated by social and cultural organisation Anam Perm. In addition, ‘Bhatukali’ (toys) was the fourth event of the day organised by Vilas Karandikar, a collector of ‘Bhatukali’ objects.
A museum walk by Phathil and Pradya Heritage consultant expert Anand Kanitkar and Museum Director Sudhavna Ranade and Saniya Mane was also held.
Visitor Gitanjali Mashelkar from Goa had come with her six-year-old daughter after she was suggested this museum. “It’s wonderful to be here,” she said.
Vidisha Vaidhya, who had come with her colleagues, said, “I have been to Aga Khan Palace several times but this is my first visit to this museum.”
Military fervour
At the National War Memorial Southern Command museum in Camp, Piyush Shah from Sainath Mandal Trust had come with a group of children aged 5 to 7 years. “For last five years, our organisation is celebrating International Museum Day and every year we chose one from 22 to 24 museums in Pune and bring children to explore the cultural heritage,” he said.
Another visitor at War Memorial, Devika Sarav from Dhruv Academy said, “The reason for bringing our kids from summer camp to National War Memorial is to get them interested in the army and defence.”
Famous museums in Pune