Pune - Queen of the Deccan

Pune is Maharashtra's second city, which lies close to the Western Ghat Mountains, on the edge of the Deccan plains as they stretch away to the east. Pune is the cultural capital of the Maratha people, which is also known as the "Queen of the Deccan". Pune is a contrast of history and modernism. Pune is considered as the Oxford of India - with its many educational and research institutions apart from other institutions for sports, yoga, ayurveda, culture and social services. Pune is nowadays also seen as a potential city for massive growth of Information Technology. Pune is a city with a future that promises to be as interesting as its history.

Long-standing bastion of the Maratha Empire and home to the legendary Raja Shivaji, the Pune district is marked by magnificent land and sea forts, testimony to its glorious past.

After Shivaji, the early 18th century saw the emergence of the Peshwas, a Maratha family that grew from being ministers at the court into a major political power over the next few decades. However, after the battle of Panipat in 1761, the Maratha Empire began to decline and in 1818, Pune was taken over by the British East India Company.

Today, Pune is the centre of traditional Marathi culture, in which education, arts and crafts, and theatre are given pride of place. It has one of India's oldest universities and its numerous colleges attract both Indian and international students, which is probably why it is called the Oxford of the East.

Pune is slowly becoming a cosmopolitan city and is now an important commercial centre. The narrow winding roads of the old Pune offer an interesting contrast to the open, spacious new city. However, Pune retains the old-world charm and its many quaint characteristics, including the omnipresent cyclists, rickshaws and a daily siesta hour that is taken very seriously indeed.

Surrounded by verdant hills and beautiful lakes, Pune has a temperate climate and is among the greenest urban areas in the country.

HISTORY
The city was one of the pivotal bases of the 17th century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born at the Shivneri Fort here. Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas, under whom Maratha power rose into a major political force. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of the arts and in their time, enriched the city with temples, gardens and educational institutions. After the Battle of Koregaon in 1818, Pune fell into the hands of the East India Company. It was here that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced the principle of Swadeshi during the Freedom Movement. The British proposed to transform the city into a 'monsoon capital' but instead developed it into a 19th century Indian army town and renamed it Poona.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The most important landmark of Pune is the residence of the self-proclaimed guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, also known as Osho. The ashram in Pune still attracts thousands of devotees, sightseers, curious onlookers and lots of controversy. The Shaniwarawada Palace with its pleasant gardens and huge outer walls is another must visit in Pune.

The Raja Kelkar Museum with unusual, the antique and the artistic collections draws several tourists. The major exhibits are the 17th century miniatures, of musical instruments, of antique pottery, and unusually, betel-nut cutters and brass padlocks. The other must visit museum is the Tribal Museum near the railway station.

The Gandhi National memorial, in the Aga Khan palace is also an important landmark of Pune. The 8th century rock-cut temple, the Ptaleshwar Temple on a hill a little outside town is one of the most popular temples, dedicated to goddess Parvati. There is a famous Muslim shrine, the Qamarali Darvesh that has a stone that is reputed to levitate. Twenty-five kilometers south-west of Pune, perched on a hill-top, is one of Maharashtra's many forests, Sinhagad, or the Lion Fort.

For enjoying the gorgeous greens Pune offers the Bund gardens on the banks of the river Mula-Mutha.

FAIR & FESTIVALS
The festivals which are celebrated in Pune are:-

The Ganesh Festival: Lord Ganesh, the patron deity of Maharashtra, is the God of wisdom. The 11-day festival begins with the installation of beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols in homes and mandaps, colorfully decorated, depicting religious themes or current events. People take Ganesh idols in procession to the accompaniment of music and dance for immersion in the sea or nearby river or lake on the 11th day.

Diwali Festival: The most beautiful of all Indian festivals, Diwali is a celebration of lights. The Diwali night in particular is a delightful feast to watch. On the same night "Laxmi Poojan" is held and the Goddess is venerated. Legend has it that Laxmi the Goddess of wealth visits all the houses hence all the houses are well-lighted and kept open. Diwali also ushers the" Hindu New Year".

Holi: Each year, after a successful winter harvest, people get ready to welcome the spring with Holi - the festival of colors. Brightly colored powders are applied on faces, and there is plenty of music, dance and sweets to fill the rest of the day. The exuberant display of colors symbolizes the advent of a colorful and prosperous spring season.

BEST SEASON
Pune could be visited through out the year. The climate is absolute for traveling. In summer cotton clothes and in winters light cottons are advised.

HOW TO REACH
Pune is the second major city of Maharashtra after Mumbai. Pune is well connected to other parts of India and the Metropolitan city of Mumbai through road, railway, and air.