By IANS
Pune : The four-day Pune Festival, considered to be the mother all arts and culture festivals in Maharashtra, will start Sep 21 with a series of events and performances from eminent artists, including Pandit Jasraj, Hema Malini and Mallika Sarabhai.
“This year the festival will be inaugurated by Union Power Minister Sushil kumar Shinde,” Sabina Sanghvi, vice-chairperson of the festival committee, said at a press conference here Friday.
The festival, in its 19th year, will start with a Ganesh Vandana performed by renowned actress, danseuse and Rajya Sabha member Hema Malini and her two daughters Esha and Ahana.
Another big attraction will be a performance of national song ‘Vande Mataram’ by Pandit Jasraj, a tribute to the 60 years of independence.
“The four-day fest will have a dance ballet by Mallika Sarabhai and her disciples on day two,” said the festival’s chief coordinator Krishnakant Kudale.
Popular Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghosal will also perform during the festival, which will also feature the Kerela Mahotsav by the Malayalee Association.
The Pune Festival Mahila Mahostav (women’s festival) will have the festival queen competition. A theme-based Ganesh Mandal and society decoration competition has also been organised with a prize money of Rs.150,000.
A vintage car and motorcycle fiesta is yet another favourite feature of the festival. The festival has an overwhelming response to this event this year with more than 100 vintage cars and motorcycles already registered.
In addition to the cultural events, the festival also announces awards for individuals who have achieved highest success in their respective fields. This year’s awardees are vocalist Prabha Atre and music composer Bhaskar Chandwarkar.