The year-end brings a cultural feast for Punekars; take a quick look at all the happenings

This year is no different. From the legendary Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav to the ever-bustling Pune Book Fest, and from soulful classical evenings to vibrant folk fusions, December promises to be a delight for anyone looking to soak in the city’s cultural warmth. Here is a quick look at all the cultural happenings that the city will be a host to, so that you can decide which one to enjoy:
Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav

December 10-14: Maharashtriya Mandal Mukundnagar

An annual, five-day celebration, Sawai stands as one of India’s most prestigious and eagerly awaited classical music festivals. For over 70 years, this event has honoured the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music. It celebrates the birth anniversary of the legendary vocalist Sawai Gandharva and aims to pay tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Held from 10 to 14, the event will host national as well as international artists.

This year, revered artists such as Dr Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, Siddharth Belmannu, Anuradha Kuber, Dr Bharat Balvalli, Pt. Upendra Bhatt, and Pt. Venkatesh Kumar will be performing Classical vocal music. Instrumental performances include a sitar–cello duet by Pt. Shubhendra Rao, and Saskia Rao-de Haas; sarod by Indrayudh Mazumdar; sitar by Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan; flute by Rupak Kulkarni; vichitra veena and violin by Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh; and violin by Dr L Shankar. The festival will also present an Indo-jazz collaboration featuring George Brooks and Pt Krishnamohan Bhatt, along with a Kathak performance by Meghranjani Medhi.

Pune Book Fest

December 13-21: Fergusson College

Organised by the National Book Trust, the Pune Book Fest remains a paradise for anyone who loves losing themselves in stacks of books. Last year’s event drew over two lakh visitors, a demonstration of the city’s literary appetite. This year, from December 13 to 21, the Fergusson College Ground will once again transform into a bustling hub of author sessions, panel discussions, children’s activities, and stalls packed with regional, national, and international titles. It’s easily one of the warmest, most vibrant cultural experiences of the season.

Ustad Zakir Hussain Sangeet Mahotsav

December 6 and 7: Ganesh Kala Krida Manch

For decades, the first weekend of December in Pune was marked by the unforgettable concerts of Ustad Zakir Hussain, evenings filled with rhythm, devotion, and pure musical brilliance. This year, the legacy continues with the inaugural Ustad Zakir Hussain Sangeet Mahotsav, a two-day celebration dedicated to the maestro who redefined the language of percussion.

The festival brings together some of India’s most acclaimed classical musicians for two evenings of soulful performances, honouring Ustadji’s enduring contribution to music and culture. Set to be held at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch for two days, December 6 and 7, this event will host great artists such as Kaushiki Chakraborty, Rakesh Chaurasia, Selva Ganesh and Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri.

FolkLok

December 7: Liberty Square, Vimannagar

Folk Lok has become one of the most talked-about musical collaborations in the city, blending traditional folk sounds with the freshness of indie music. The concert brings together artists who reinterpret age-old melodies in a contemporary, youthful style. If you’re looking for something vibrant, earthy, and energetic to wrap up your year, this is the gig to bookmark.

Amrutanubhav

December 5: Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir

Rooted in the teachings of the Varkari tradition, Amrutanubhav offers a rare combination of spiritual reflection and musical grace. Drawing from the works of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, the programme explores the idea of a healthy, balanced life through music and discourse. It features performances by Vidushi Aarti Anklikar-Tikekar along with young, popular voices such as Prathamesh Laghate and Mugdha Vaishampayan.

Pune’s theatres are equally active this season, with productions ranging from iconic Marathi classics to contemporary works exploring family, memory, and identity. Here’s a look at what’s taking the stage this December.
Sakharam Binder

December 3: Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir

Vijay Tendulkar’s much-discussed Sakharam Binder returns with Sayaji Shinde in the lead. The play, known for its raw exploration of power, morality, and companionship, carries as much relevance today as it did decades ago. Watching Shinde reinterpret one of Marathi theatre’s most complex characters is reason enough to book your seat early.
Karunashtake

December 13: Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir

Set in late-19th-century Nashik, Karunashtake blends poetry, movement, and music to explore womanhood and widowhood. The narrative lingers in the silences forced upon women, tracing how grief can quietly evolve into self-recognition and resolve. Directed by the well-acclaimed director of Devbabhli, Prajakt Deshmukh, the play features actors like Parna Pethe and Geetanjali Kulkarni.
Asen Mi Nasen Mi

December 6: Yashwantrao Chavan Natya Gruha

This contemporary family story follows an ageing mother intent on living independently and a daughter attempting to balance care with her demanding life in another city. Asen Mi Nasen Mi reflects on ageing, distance, and the emotional adjustments families make. It stars Nina Kulkarni, Shubhangi Gokhale, and Amruta Subhash.

Something Like Truth

December 11: The Box

Written by Shanta Gokhale and directed by Parna Pethe, Something Like Truth brings together the experiences of four women from different backgrounds as they navigate ideas of justice, freedom, and personal truth. With a cast led by Ashwini Giri, Dusha, Kalyanee Mulay, and Sharvari Deshpande, the play uses movement and music to examine the unease of the present moment.
Priy Bhai Ek Kavita Havee Aahe

December 5: Yashwantrao Chavan Natya Gruha

Inspired by Dr Sameer Kulkarni’s essay, this musical play-reading reflects on P L Deshpande and Sunitabai Deshpande’s enduring relationship with poetry. What begins as an exploration of one’s love for verse expands into a meditation on inspiration and the ways art shapes a life. Features soulful reading by Mukta Barve.

Anatomy of a Suicide

December 6: The Box

Alice Birch’s award-winning play follows three generations of women whose lives unfold side by side, revealing how personal histories echo across time. Anatomy of a Suicide examines inherited trauma, quiet resilience, and the fragile ties that hold families together. Directed by Mohit Takalkar, it stars several artists, including Sagar Deshmukh and Faezeh Jalali.

Alive

December 5: Shreeram Lagoo Rang Avakash

Directed by Sanket Parkhe and starring Roomani Khare, the play brings out a unique use of technology in theatrical performance. It explores the impacts of the digital age on personal relationships.

Rucha Kulkarni is an intern with The Indian Express, Pune.