Kadam inaugurates 20th edition of Pune Festival

Pune, Sep 5 (UNI) Maharashtra Minister for Co-operation Patangrao Kadam today inaugurated the 20th edition of Pune Festival here.

The 10-day festival started with Sanai vadan by Tukaram Daithankar and Ganesh vandana by Yogini Gandhi and Devaki Pandit.

Actress Malaika Arora-Khan performed a lavani medley 'Jai Mharashtra'.

Veteran Marathi actor Neelu Phule and wrestler Harishchandra Birasdar were feliciated at the hands of Pune MP Suresh Kalmadi, who is also chairman of the festival.

Marathi cine artistes and Pune Festival artists presented the folk dances of India, 'The Colour of India'. The dances were choreographed by Nikita Moghe. Traditional Ganesh Pooja, dating back to Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era, was part of the inauguration ceremony.

A host of dignitaries including film actor Jackie Shroff, State Marketing Minister Harshvardhan Patil and film director Dr Jabbar Patel were present on the occasion.

Ambassadors and High Commissioners of seven countries were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion here this evening, Mr Kalmadi said Pune is growing fast in the field of Information Technology, Bio Technology and automobile hub. It has become an international city.

Mr Kalmadi assured that all preparations for the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) due next month will be completed on time.

President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the CYG games, he said.

Mr Patel said the Pune International Film Festival will be held here from January 8-15, 2009.

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