Pune is said to be the cultural capital of the state ofMaharashtra. It epitomisesMarathi culture, which places emphasis on education, arts and crafts, music, and theatre. Pune culture reflects a blend of traditions with modernity, along with hosting classical shows. Auditoriums like theBalgandharva Ranga Mandir, Tilak Smarak Mandir and theYashwantrao Chavan Natyagruhahave been at the service of P… more

Pune is said to be the cultural capital of the state ofMaharashtra. It epitomisesMarathi culture, which places emphasis on education, arts and crafts, music, and theatre. Pune culture reflects a blend of traditions with modernity, along with hosting classical shows. Auditoriums like theBalgandharva Ranga Mandir, Tilak Smarak Mandir and theYashwantrao Chavan Natyagruhahave been at the service of Punekars and are famous for playing host to many commercial theatre acts. Smaller auditorims like theSudarshan Rangamanchand Bharat Natya Sanshodhan Mandir are the favourite places for many intercollegiate competitions and also are the focal point of the city's experimental and amateur theatre movement.[110] Pune hosts the most prestigious festival forHindusthani classical music, viz.Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav(Populerly known as 'Sawai'). Besides'Sawai', many festivals likeSwarazankar,Vasantotsavare organised in Pune. SorghumandPearl milletare the main ingredients of traditional Pune food[citation needed]. Specialties includeMisal Pav,Puran Poli(a dessert bread),Pithla bhakri,Panipuri,Bhelpuri, andPav Bhaji.[111]Mastani, a thick milkshake containingdried fruit, is a speciality of the city.[112]Another speciality is Bakarvadi, a crispy snack item.Vada Pav, Misal Pav,Poha,Dabeli, and Bhelpuri are popular street food items. Being a Metropolitan city, Pune also boasts a wide variety of restaurants, serving cuisines from all over the world

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