So if you read part 1, or didn’t – here’s a chance to read it!
N for Narayan Peth Saris. While the glamourous Paithani was always known, this one from Solapur is equally popular in Pune. This sari is woven in silk with contrasting zari border and unique rudraskh patterns on the pallu that makes it a fabulous pick in your shopping bag.
O for Osho. A melting pot for the best cultural and spiritual programs in Pune, the Ashram in the times of the Rajneesh and him being alive was buzzing. The search for his original will may have brought him back to focus and also has changed the profile of people coming to the commune. From tall Westerners looking for answers, it’s the more wealthy Asians that are dominating the Osho Commune now! My favourite piece about the commune – of Osho renaming Pasta as Futura – because he didn’t like the word Past!!
P for Prabhat Road. Prestigious, genteel and full of green trees… Cycling amidst the lanes of Prabhat Road in the rains is a teenage memory. The bungalows maybe giving way to buildings and small cafes jostling with restaurants – but this is still where old Pune seems preserved and alive. My current favourite place to hang there is Le Plaisir over their mind-blowing macaroons.
Q for The Queer Movement in Pune. Even though much of the LGBT movement is underground, the support for Pune Pride continues. Talks, plays, readings and of course coming out stories – important conversations about dealing with coming out stories. Check out Planet Romeo and Gaysi to meet like-minded folks from the city and more.
S is for Startups that seem to be making their way home in the city. Catch up on the interesting names that everyone is talking about right here. Despite being slower off the block in comparison with Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurgaon – Pune is catching up with 27 reported deals, even housing a startup accelerator programme Edugild at MIT and much more!
T for trails and tours! 17 different tours are rated on Trip Advisor to explore different facets of Pune. From the popular Pune Heritage Walk to Chalo Walks, the tours can get customised for groups and with specific interests. It’s amazing how Jan and Rashid, both not from Pune but have made it home, have become known names in the city to showcase Pune in its glory!
U for Usal. From Usal to Misal to Bajra to Garlic and not to miss Mastani, the city has enough must-haves you must try! My favourite is this thick delicious mango drink topped off with cut fruit, dry fruit and topped off with cream! Try the authentic version at Gujjar Mastani or Sujata Mastani.
V for Vaishali. Can there by anything that leads college hangouts the way Vaishali does? Home to new and old friendships, this humble south Indian joint is famous for SPDP, Idlis and Uttapams! Vaishali taught us the ability to pass hours over a glass of fresh lime water much before cellphones took over time-gobbling! Madhuban near Wadia College was another that had acquired this cult status and that still are just as buzzing.
W for Wadas in the city. A wada is typically a large building of two or more stories with groups of rooms arranged around open courtyards. Most of these iconic wadas are in Kasba Peth, Tilak Road, Vishrambaug, Nana Peth, Narayan Peth and Budhwar Peth. And if you are looking to visit a few of these wobbly wadas in a guided tour, this recount by J Ramanand before you venture out is an interesting read.
X for X’mas! While all festivals are celebrated with ease – the oldest church in the city with the moniker ‘The Mother Church of the Deccan’ – St Mary’s celebrates its 191st year of existence. Known to house over 1000 people, this church leads the many other churches that celebrate the festival. Worth visiting for the Christmas Mass!
Y for Yerawada Jail. From Kasab’s hanging to Sanjay Dutt’s radio turn during his stay, the Yerawada has always been in the news. Known to be the second-largest jail after Tihar in India, this area also plays home to the Yerawada mental hospital! Often used by moms in Pune as a perfect way to bully their kids. “Behave yourself or I will admit you to the Yerawada Mental Hospital!”
Z for Z Bridge! Called the Z Bridge because of its shape, Kakasaheb Gadgil Bridge – many of us know it for the traffic congestion and also now the heavy rains earlier in August having shut this bridge. But for most Puneites , this was a place to hang with friends. I was surprised to read that this bridge even played the background to a Marathi play named after it – which used the bridge as a way to showcase the change in Pune. To know more about this bridge, check out this awesome picture!
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- Diary of a Weekend Puneite: Why Osho is no longer Pune’s Pride… - November 19, 2016
- Diary of a Weekend Puneite: Breaking away to celebrate the November nip - November 12, 2016
