City of Peths

The small geographical and administrative segments of wards of the city set-up by the peshwas were called peths .They were self sufficient units with their own temple and market and characterized by narrow pathways and lanes (Ali) and single-storied and single-storied dwellings. Pune City is unique for its Peths, which is a name for an area. Most of the Peths are named after the days of the week, and some Peths are named after their founders.

                Each peth had its own characteristics defined by its residents and the business activities conducted there. Not all of the 18 original peths exist today, and many of the others are seeing a gradual transformation.

• Kasba Peth

            The core of the city, it was developed as residential and business area by the peshwas because of its proximity to shaniwarwada, Lal Mahal and the Omkareshwar temple. Oldest Peth of Pune which was established in 14th Century.  The earliest settlers were a mix of the Marathas, shimpis (tailors0, kumbhars (potters) and tambats (coppersmiths).

• Sadashiv Peth

              Originally home to Brahmins in service of the peshwas; served as the fountainhead for political activism, social service, education, music and arts. Established in 1760 in the memory of Sadashiv Rao Bhau, an uncle of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao It was largely a military set up and today developed as a residential area of Brahmin families.

• Raviwar Peth

                Malkampura was its original name.Bohri Ali (lane) has developed over the years into one of the most popular hardware markets in pune. The place is buzzing with carpenters, contractors and plumbers.

• Budhwar Peth

             More than 400 wholesalers and retailers dealing in all electronic items are based here. Budhwar Peth has gained notoriety as the ‘ted light’ area of the city.

• Guruwar Peth

             Established in 1730 by Jivajipant Khasgiwale and was earlier known as Vital Peth, because of the Vital temple in this area. Bhandi Ali, the market for traditional kitchenware, is situated here.

•  Nana Peth

            Set up by Nana Phadnavis in 1761 and was known as Nihal Peth... Specializes in selling auto spare parts and draws vehicle enthusiasts from across the city.

• Mangalwar Peth

            This crowded and traditional area of the city has recently undergone a transformation. It also has a significant auto spare parts market.

• Bhawani Peth

             Apart from a large timber market, the area houses the famous Bhawani Mata Mandir as well as the Palkhi Vithoba Mandir.

• Somwar Peth

            One of the older peths, it houses several temple from the Peshwa era, including the Mali Maharaj Mandir and the Nageshwar Temple. The imposing zilla parishad (district administration) building is also situated in this area.

Tradition Against Fashion In Pune

Like most large Indian cities, Pune has become significantly westernised in its manner of dress. While In current date some punekars prefer to dress traditional attire like sari even that is being adapted to suit modern lifestyles. The traditional Navvari (nine-yard-sari) once worn by women through Maharashtracan hardly be seen in Pune these days, except among the elderly. 

                Women generally wear saris or the popular salwar kameez ensemble. Indo-western fusion clothing also popular. Some professionals prefer western wear, and favour skirt or trouser-suits for office wear. Students and youngsters are partial to casual wear including t-shirts, blouses and shirts, and trousers, jeans, capris and skirts. Visitors to Pune will not find it difficult to fit in with the crowd if they dress modestly. But still in Marriages or any traditional occasions ladies must wear sari rather say Navvari or Paithani.

                                                                           

It’s a bit boring to see this 'artificial contrast' between tradition & fashion; after all, those two are so well inter-related no? I certainly enjoy innovational design and the breaking of the forms, but traditional craftsmanship is also needed in order to really appreciate innovations.
If used in a creative way, traditional techniques/shapes/fabrics can aquire a new life; it’s all a matter of inspiration and craftsmanship.

                A majority of men in Pune have discarded traditional attire for more comfortable western wear, especially at the workplace.Contempory Indian Fashion, both formal & casual is also getting popular, and many men sport the churidar kameez ensemble for an evening out or formal function.

               

                Woven in a distinctive style, the Pune sari is an elegant cotton creation in bright colors and embellished with a contrasting brocade or silk border.Synonbyms with pune, it is a must on the shopping list of every fashion conscious visitor to the city.

                The Paithani a magnificent silk & brocade creation, is the sari of choice for Maharashtraian brides, & favourite for other special occasions in. Even sometime a heavily brocaded Paithani sari takes anywhere from six months to one-and-a-half years to weave.