VP C.P. Radhakrishnan to Open 38th Pune Festival Sep 18

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan heads to Maharashtra on September 18 to launch Pune’s flagship 12-day celebration of art, music, and sports.

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will officially inaugurate the 38th Pune Festival on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 4:30 PM. The opening ceremony takes place at the Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Swargate, Pune, capping off an intense one-day official itinerary across Maharashtra that includes stops in Mumbai and Lonavala. Organized alongside the annual public Ganeshotsav, the 12-day festival runs through September 25, drawing local performers, international cultural troupes, and thousands of attendees.

A One-Day Tour Across Maharashtra

Before arriving at Swargate for the evening gala, Radhakrishnan begins his day in Mumbai with a morning darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja. He then moves to Lonavala in the afternoon for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the Gordhandas Seksaria College of Yoga & Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalyadhama, before concluding the leg of his trip at Nehru Stadium in Pune.

Festival committee leaders unveiled the official logo during press briefings leading up to the event. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol are among the high-profile guests expected alongside the Vice-President.

Honoring Tradition and Local Excellence

First established in 1989 by the late Suresh Kalmadi, the Pune Festival builds on the historic public Ganeshotsav movement started by Lokmanya Tilak. What began as a local community display of storytelling, kirtans, and powadas has spent nearly four decades evolving into a multi-venue cultural fixture.

"Local reports indicated that this year's festival honours lifetime achievements in regional cinema, drama direction, and sports, while opening every venue to the public free of charge."

This 38th edition debuts the Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, conferred upon senior actor Mohan Joshi. Other honorees include actor-producer Kiran Shantaram, drama director Atul Pethe, former Indian Women's Hockey Association president Arnawaj Damania, and Flying Officer Nishi Agrawal.

Why It Matters

The Pune Festival bridges historic community traditions with modern stage arts, preserving public cultural access without commercial paywalls. By keeping all venues free, the event allows residents and visitors to experience high-caliber theatre, classical music, and international showcases right alongside everyday Ganeshotsav festivities.

Key Takeaways

• Official Inauguration: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurates the 38th Pune Festival on September 18 at 4:30 PM in Swargate.

• Busy Itinerary: Radhakrishnan’s Maharashtra trip includes visits to Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai and Kaivalyadhama in Lonavala prior to the inauguration.

• Free Public Access: All cultural acts, sporting events, and exhibitions from September 14 to 25 remain entirely free for visitors.

• Inaugural Honor: Veteran actor Mohan Joshi receives the first Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the 38th Pune Festival inauguration take place?

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurates the festival on September 18 at 4:30 PM at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Swargate, Pune.

What other stops are on Vice-President Radhakrishnan's September 18 itinerary?

The Vice-President visits Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai during the morning and attends Kaivalyadhama’s Platinum Jubilee in Lonavala during the afternoon.

Do visitors need to buy tickets for the Pune Festival events?

No tickets are required, as all Pune Festival performances, sports competitions, and art exhibitions are completely free to the public.

Sources: Hindusthan Samachar Coverage, Press Information Bureau Release & Pune Pulse Report