Culture of Pune district exemplifies an indigenous Marathi culture and ethos, in which education, arts and crafts, and theatres are given due prominence. Pune is the birthplace of the poet-saint Tukaram (in Dehu) and Jnaneshvara (in Alandi), the author of the well-known commentary `Jnaneshwari`,on the `Bhagavad Gita`. A number of great personalities hail from the district. It is the home of great freedom fighters like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Agarkar and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Jayant Narlikar, the famous contemporary scientist, is from Pune. Pune is the seat of North Indian Classical music. Annually, in the month of December, it hosts a three nightlong cultural program of vocal and instrumental classical music, called `Savai-Gandharva`. Pune has been an example of the blending of the culture and heritage with modernisation. With the Pune festival, Osho Commune International, Pune is the `veritable heartland` of cultural Maharashtra. Pune can in fact be said to be the cultural capital of the Maharashtra.
Pune, the seat of the Peshwas has retained its traditional cuisine and a special Pune meal would consist of Puran Poli (a sweet paratha with pulses/dal) Amti (masala dal), Pithla Bhakri (a masala chickpea gravy with a stiff `roti`), Varan Bhat (dal and rice), Matki Chi Usal (masala sprouts), Thali pith (a spicy chickpea based pancake) and Alu chi Vadi (steamed and fried, sweet and spicy leaves). Bakar Vadi (spicy crusty savoury) and Missal Pav (spicy mixture of onion, chilly and small savoury items, with bread) are some of the most delectable snacks. For those with a sweet tooth, Pune offers Shrikhand (a burnt milk delicacy) and the seasonal Amras Puri (thick mango juice with fried `puris`) complete the traditional Maharashtrian feast.
All the Indian festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, Navaratri, Dussehra, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Christmas, Id etc are celebrated with the same excitement and gusto with no distinctions. Pune is famous for its Ganesh festival.
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