Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav
One of India's most important classical music festivals, held in Pune every December since 1953.
Quick facts
- Month:
- December
- Started:
- 1953
- Started by:
- Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi started this festival in 1953 in memory of his guru, Sawai Gandharva. Over the years the greatest names of Hindustani classical music have performed here, and it is now one of the most important music festivals in India. It is held over several days every December.
See Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Check the venue and ticket details for the current year before you plan.
More in Festivals of Pune
- Palkhi (Ashadhi Wari) Every year the palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram pass through Pune with lakhs of Varkaris walking to Pandharpur.
- Gudi Padwa The Marathi New Year, when every home raises a gudi and the city celebrates with processions.
- Navratri and Dasara Nine nights of the goddess, with the Chaturshrungi fair, garba and dandiya, ending in Dasara.
- Diwali The festival of lights: lamps, kandils, rangoli, faral and shopping crowds on Laxmi Road.
- Shiv Jayanti The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, celebrated on 19 February with processions and programmes.
- Christmas and Eid in Camp The Camp area celebrates both festivals in style: midnight mass and plum cakes at Christmas, and the lanes around East Street on Eid.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.