Pune’s Diwali festival began on Thursday with the scheduled weekly water cut cancelled across the city, while markets in areas including Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Mandai, Market Yard and Bohri Ali reported increased activity ahead of the seven-day celebrations.
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s water supply department cancelled the planned Thursday shutdown so residents would receive water according to the regular schedule during the festival. The department normally keeps the city’s water supply closed every Thursday as part of its weekly maintenance and distribution schedule.
The Diwali celebrations began with Vasubaras on Thursday and will continue through Bhaubeej on Wednesday, November 11. Dhanteras and Yamadeepdan will be observed on Friday, November 6, while Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja will fall on Sunday, November 8. Balipratipada, or Diwali Padwa, will be observed on Tuesday, November 10.
The civic decision is expected to prevent disruption to household preparations during the festival, when residents require water for cleaning, cooking, religious rituals and family gatherings. The municipal department said Thursday’s supply would follow the usual timetable.
Pune’s traditional markets have also seen residents shopping for puja materials, clothing, decorations and festival goods. Shops in Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Mandai, Market Yard and Bohri Ali in Sunday Peth have been decorated for the season, with families visiting the markets for Lakshmi and Ganesha idols, incense, camphor, flowers, oil lamps, rangoli materials and other items.
Ready-to-use Diwali puja boxes have emerged as a popular purchase this year. The boxes combine items such as incense, dhoop, camphor and turmeric-kumkum, and are available from around Rs 250. Retailers are also reporting demand for incense varieties, flower torans, Ayurvedic bathing powders, soaps, rangoli colours and rangoli stickers.
Trader Dhananjay Gholap said prices of puja materials had not increased this year, according to the report. The market response has been particularly strong for incense products and flower decorations.
The festival will also include community programmes across the city. The ISKCON NVCC temple in Kondhwa has scheduled cow worship, temple darshan and an interaction with younger residents at 10.30 am on Thursday. The programme will address cow conservation, the environment, culture and life values, with participants from the education, healthcare, arts and industry sectors.
The Pune festival calendar will conclude with Bhaubeej on November 11, when families traditionally observe the brother-sister relationship through visits, rituals and shared meals.
