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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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