Pune’s Laxmi Road, Bajirao Road and Kumthekar Road Light Up for Diwali

Pune, 29th October 2026: Decorative electric lighting installed on Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road and Bajirao Road, which give Pune’s traditional markets their distinctive identity, was inaugurated on Thursday by Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.

The initiative has been undertaken for the third consecutive year, covering an area of approximately three kilometres, through the joint efforts of the Pune Vyapari Mahasangh, United Retail Trade Garment Association and Pune Saraf Association. The objective of the initiative is to create a festive atmosphere in the markets during Diwali while showcasing Pune’s rich cultural traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Naval Kishore Ram said, “Pune is the cultural capital. Traditional markets continue to hold their importance even today. In places like Europe, people prefer walking through the streets of a city, experiencing its beautiful locations, enjoying local food and shopping at good stores rather than visiting malls alone. There is considerable scope for such a culture in Pune as well. Pune is a city that offers a conducive environment for these kinds of experiences.”

He further said that Pune celebrates Ganeshotsav and Navratri with great enthusiasm, and Diwali also holds special significance. The decorative lighting, organised collectively by traders’ associations to bring vibrancy to the markets during the festival, adds to the city’s festive atmosphere. He also noted that the contribution of traders’ associations is not limited to such initiatives. Whenever the city faces a crisis or there is a need for assistance, the trading community always comes forward and extends support wholeheartedly.

Milind Shalgar, Secretary of the United Retail Trade Garment Association, said, “Pune has inherited a rich cultural legacy. Traders enthusiastically participate in preserving this tradition. With the aim of enhancing the festive spirit in the markets during Diwali and providing citizens with an enjoyable shopping experience, traders came together and decided to organise decorative lighting every year. Pune has had the distinction of initiating this kind of activity, and other cities are now also seen following its example.”