12 Things You Only Understand If You Grew Up In Pune, India
One of the leading cities in India today, Pune is a blend of rich culture, heritage and modernization. It’s a city full of surprises, great atmosphere, amazing festivals, each and every aspect of the city will never stop to amaze you! And it has something for everyone! If you are planning for a trip to this magnificent city its charismatic charm and appeal might make it tough for you to decide where to visit in this kaleidoscopic city! And the answer is going to be way lengthy! If you grew up in Pune, India, you’ll definitely be able to relate to this article!
1. Legendary History
Entire “Maratha” Empire was born and flourished in Pune as the seat of the “Peshwas” who were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire in in the early 1600s to 1800th centuries. It was a major center for trading at the time of British rule and also played crucial role in Indian Independence Movement. Prior to British takeover, the city was confined to the East bank of the Mula and Mutha rivers.
2. Rich Culture
The Pune city is “Cultural Capital” of Maharashtra. People from multiple religions and speaking different regional languages reside here. It hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Diwali –“The festival of Lights!” –On the eve of Diwali you will be mesmerize with the way everyone decorate their homes with the flashing lights, lanterns and various craft creativity will have happy memory stamp forever.
“Shanivar Wada” on the night of Diwali “Saras Baug” on the night called as “Diwali Pahat” where sky lanterns are released into the night with wishes.3. Ganpati Festival
Pune is famous for “Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple”. We celebrates “Ganesh Chaturthi” festival with such enthusiasm for 10 days. Pune is also famous for its “dhol-tasha Pathak” which is group of enthusiasts playing traditional drums called “dhol” and “tasha” in rhythm. Believe me, if you manage to get into one of these“bands”, you will certainly have the most memorable time of your life.
“Ganpati idol” Indian god who is most worshiped deities in the Hindu pantheon Dhol Pathak team playing enthusiastically.4. Unity in diversity
Indian is known for its hospitality and we believe that guest is our God. Pune is cosmopolitan city as its area is about 140 sq km. occupies huge population more than 3.8 million. Pune has only 38% of local population (i.e.Marathi), 20% North Indians, 10% Tamilians, 14% Telugites, 10% Keralites, 8% Europeans (Koregaon Park), 5% Africans, 2%Bangalis and 6% a mixture of all races.
But we live together with peace and harmony.
5. Blissful Climate
Pune has blissful weather to fall in love with. Nestled in the Sahyadri hills, and surrounded by breathtaking hill stations like Lonavala, Lawasa, Panshet etc…
Summer’s daytime temperature is little high but evenings and nights are always breezy and cool. Monsoon is the best time to explore nearby places. Everything is blooming, it’s like rain had washed away the impurities and we can see everything with vivid colors, covered in green and brown, roads are clean with a magical fragrance in the air.
Best part is driving through the luscious green mountains, feel the cool breeze blow through your hair and just smile pointlessly!
As I said earlier, the city is located just at the right place. The weather here is delightful, charming and pleasant.
6. Tourist spots
The city has numerous places to visit which will certainly keep you mesmerized.
Most amazing tourist places and trekking spots are at a distance of stone’s throw away. There are lots of Forts around the city to fulfill your adventure cravings!
You can literally enjoy everything here beautiful scenery, trekking, soothing quite places to the loudest pub, river rafting, bungee jumping, go-kart and what not..! The list is BIG!
And lots of forts like Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Tung Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Purandar Fort etc…
Also, nearest beaches are at a mere distance like Kihim beach (140kms) and Alibag Beach(150kms)away. So enjoy driving for 3–4 Hours and have a great time at sea side!
Most of the weekend getaways are an hour away from Pune which makes it even more perfect to live in Pune- work all through the week and unwind the stress during the weekend!
7. Paradise for foodies
Spices is the soul of Indian cuisine. Pune city has variety of places which serves, delicious appetizing, mouth-watering and loaded with flavors food. Whichever kind of food you may like, the city has it all available for you.
Several restaurants in Pune offer Indian and Western cuisines as well has plenty of places for you to calm your hunger.
Pune offers a great night-life culture with plenty of bars, pubs and resorts. In fact Pune has highest number of pubs in Asia.
As it’s impossible to mention them all, here are some “must-try” specialties of Pune! Katakir Misal, Joshi Vadapav ,Bedekar Misal ,Chitale Bakarwadi and loads of variety in Sweets.
8. Education : Oxford of East
Pune is the only city in India where there are seven Universities. Pune University has 57 Engineering colleges affiliated to it, which is highest in the world. The University has the highest number of students going abroad for higher. Most of the institutions are also listed amongst the best schools and colleges of India. That is the reason why Pune is referred as ‘Oxford of East’.
9. Sports
Like whole country Punekar’s are crazy over Cricket. Still we enjoy basketball, badminton, field hockey, football, tennis, kabaddi, paragliding, kho-kho, rowing ,athletics and chess.
The game Badminton was invented in Pune in India and was initially called ‘Poona’. British Army officers posted there were the first pioneers of the game who took it to Europe. The game was played in 1873 in a place called ‘Badminton House’ in England, from where it got its name.
10. Booming IT Industries
Pune has highest number of public sectors and government Organizations in India. Pune has the highest number of software companies in India after Bangalore, hence called the Silicon Valley of Maharashtra.
It has the eighth largest metropolitan economy and sixth highest per capita income in the country. It is also one of the largest hubs for start-ups in India.
The city is a prominent hub for IT and manufacturing and home to the Automotive Research Association of India.
11. Exponential Development
As it was ruled by different rulers, the city is blessed with variety of architectural monuments, which are beauteous and inspiring enough to make someone fall in love with it! Pune is one of the fastest growing cities in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pune saw tremendous growth and development post-independence, and continues to do so today as well. The city has some of the biggest malls across country like Phoenix market City, Amanora mall, Seasons Mall etc.
Pune due to its metropolitan culture has grown very much in the property market. Residential Apartments, showrooms have been developed at the speed way far ahead of some of the other cities in India. Prices have also soared very much.
12. Some Facts
Pune has the impeccable record of highest growth within a span of 20 Years. Pune has the highest density of traffic in India. It has the highest number of 2-wheelers in the world.
Pune has made Guinness World Records in Rangoli design.A modern-day hub of educational, technological, tourism and industrial growth, Pune is now one of the most sought-after destinations in the entire of Maharashtra. The confluence of many different cultures, rich historical past and a never-ending list of things to do in Pune makes this colorful city, a must visit place for everyone.
To put it nutshell, one of the leading cities in India today, Pune is a blend of rich culture, heritage and modernization.
