Auditoriums to host ‘Diwali pahat’ programmes after last year’s lull

Pune: After going online last year due to the pandemic, Diwali pahat has resumed in auditoriums in the city. A Diwali tradition indigenous to the city, it refers to a Hindustani classical music programme at sunrise on the main day of the festival.
This year, such programmes will be held at Tilak Smarak Mandir in Sadashiv Peth, Yeshwantrao Chavan Natyagruha in Kothrud, Balgandharva Rangmandir, and Ganesh Kala Krida Sankul.
Sarod player Anupam Joshi, who is performing at a closed concert on November 6, said, “The pandemic has not ruined the spirit of the city for celebrations. Diwali pahat is a tradition that continues.”
The concept started in 1992 and has spread to Nashik and Mumbai. Over the last 30 years it has developed into a tradition for the people of Pune to start the main Diwali day by attending these cultural events.
Pradip Halasgikar, from All India Radio, said, “We used to broadcast Diwali pahat organised by AIR. The concert in Pune would be broadcast to all stations such as Nashik, Mumbai, Solapur, Kolhapur and others. This year, we could not organise it as there was a delay in the clarification on the Covid guidelines.”
He said he would attend a Diwali pahat along with his family this year.
Mohini Kulkarni from Sadashiv Peth said, “Every year, we meet our extended family members and friends at the pahat where we wish each other and enjoy concert together. This family tradition was started by my in-laws, carried on through our generation and passed on to the next. My daughter who married in 2019 will also be attending the pahat with her family.”
Sanjay Deo from Gokhalenagar said, “The pahat starts with bhakti sangeet and a prayer, which is the right way to start any festival. We are vaccinated and can safely attend.”