Pune's Vibrant Diwali Celebrations: From Oil Baths to Card Games
Pune: On Monday morning, the city stirred to the sound of firecrackers echoing in the distance and the sight of streets glimmering with strings of lights hanging from balconies and shopfronts. The air carried the mixed scents of incense, ghee lamps, sandalwood, and marigold. Diwali arrived, and Pune looked radiant in its glow.
In homes across town, preparations began before dawn. Many Maharashtrian families woke up early for the traditional oil bath that marks Naraka Chaturdashi. The bath, taken after a head-to-toe application of sesame oil and fragrant ubtan, is believed to wash away the old year's fatigue. “We started before sunrise with sandalwood soap and ubtan bought by my mother-in-law from the same shop in Budhwar Peth for the last forty years or so. It feels like the real beginning of Diwali when you come out of the bath and the house smells of sesame oil and flowers,” said Sujata Patil from Aundh.
The morning began with classical Hindustani music drifting through neighbourhood gardens and cultural centres. Local musicians gathered before sunrise for Diwali Pahats organised in various spots across the city. “As a child, I used to accompany my parents to the Diwali Pahat organised in the city areas, but when we shifted to Undri, this family tradition took a halt for a couple of years. Nowadays, every neighbourhood has a Diwali Pahat, so residents do not have to travel across town so early in the morning. This year my family will attend the Diwali Pahat on NIBM Road, this way we start our Diwali celebrations,” said Rohan Sathe, an IT professional.
For many Gujarati and Marwari families, attention will turn to Chopda Puja on Tuesday, the ritual of worshipping new account books and ledgers before the business year begins. “Even though our work is digital now, we still start with a physical ledger. We write Shubh Labh and Om on the first page because I believe that this tradition keeps the business grounded and blessed,” said jeweller Ankush Mehta from Sinhagad Road.
Bengali families are preparing for Kali Puja on Monday evening. Temples such as Kali Bari in Khadki and Dehu Road, Shree Kali Jogeshwari Mandir in Budhwar Peth, and others across the city will see a surge of devotees as they echo with the sound of conch shells and bells. “In our homes, the night before Kali Puja we cook Choddo Shaak, a mix of fourteen different leafy greens. It is said to keep away evil and bring good fortune. We use whatever greens are in season such as spinach, amaranth, methi, radish leaves, mustard, coriander, and so on. These greens are cooked simply in mustard oil with a bit of pumpkin or brinjal. It is not fancy, but it connects us to the soil and to the year’s blessings,” said Noirita Banerjee, a resident of Pimple Gurav.
Tamil and Malayali families began celebrations of Naraka Chaturdashi on Monday morning with oil baths, ritual pujas, and the exchange of sweets and clothes.
But beyond the rituals, Diwali is also about reunion. Cousins are flying in from other cities. Families are preparing long tables for card games, carrom, and conversations that stretch past midnight. “Every Diwali all of us cousins meet at our grandparents’ house and the games begin. Our parents still stick to their cards, but our generation has moved on to UNO and board games. It gets noisy and competitive, but that is what makes it feel like Diwali. It is the only time in the year when all of us are together, sitting cross-legged on the floor, teasing each other and forgetting our phones for a while,” said college student Sneha Kulkarni.
Laxmi Road was a moving river of people, their faces lit by the golden glow of lamps overhead. Many paused to take pictures or short videos of the decorations that now stretch across parts of the old city.
Malls and cafes are already overflowing. Restaurants on JM Road and FC Road have long queues as groups of friends and families step out dressed in their festive best.
