Pune Festival is the most celebrated festival in Pune. The festival is held during 'Ganesha Mahotsav' or 'Ganesha Puja' in the months of August - September. The festival goes on for 10 days, right from the installation of the idol of Lord Ganesha till its immersion in the Mula and Mutha rivers. Ganesha is one of the most revered deity of Hindus. He is known to be the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of obstacles(Vigneshvara). During Ganesha Mahotsav Lord Ganesha is woshipped throughout 10 days. Pandals are set after every few meters with loud prayers, music and enthusiastic Patrons. The festival is celebrated with an unmatched zeal and vigor. There is fun, frolic, energy and enthusiasm everywhere. The spirit of festival is so contagious that it affects everyone big, small, young, old, man, woman irrespective of their individual beliefs and faiths. The festival is also patronaged by celebrities from all walks of life like film stars, musicians, cricketers and other bigwigs.

Many people consider Pune Festival as synonym of Ganesha Mahotsav. However, it is not so. Pune Festival was originally initiated by Pune leader and politician Bal Gangadhar Tilak prior to independence with a view to instill a feeling of oneness and integrity in the people of the city so as to fuel the independence struggle. It was purposely scheduled during Ganesh Mahotsav as to take the leverage of the already flowing spirit of celebration and togetherness. Lot of tourists from all around the world come to observe and become a part of this enticing festival. MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Center) organizes special events during Pune festival to promote tourism in the city like classical dance and music recitals, a Film and drama festival, automobile rallies and some traditional sports. The maestros and stalwarts of their respective events deliver performances at the festival.