Prayatna Festival is a multidisciplinary arts festival that celebrates artistic exploration, dialogue, and collaboration across diverse performance traditions. Established in 2009 by Hrishikesh Pawar, the founder of Centre of Contemporary Dance (COCD), the festival was envisioned as a platform that would bring together artists, thinkers, and audiences to engage with contemporary ideas in the performing arts. Since its inception, Prayatna has grown into a vibrant space that presents a carefully curated programme of dance, theatre, storytelling, film screenings, and interdisciplinary performances, alongside discussions, lecture-demonstrations, and interactive sessions.
The festival seeks to create meaningful encounters between artists and audiences, encouraging dialogue around artistic processes, cultural narratives, and evolving creative practices. True to its name—Prayatna, meaning effort or endeavour—the festival recognises the dedication, experimentation, and persistence that shape artistic journeys. It offers artists a space to present both established works and works-in-progress, fostering an environment that values exploration, risk-taking, and new perspectives.
A distinctive aspect of Prayatna is its commitment to contemporary movement practices while remaining in conversation with traditional forms and storytelling traditions. By inviting artists from different regions and disciplines, the festival reflects the diversity of artistic expression and promotes cross-cultural exchange. Over the years, Prayatna has built a community of artists, students, and rasikas who come together not only to witness performances but also to engage critically with the arts. Through its programming, the festival continues to nurture thoughtful conversations and contribute to the evolving landscape of the performing arts in India.
How to Reach Pune
1. By Air: Pune is well connected through domestic airlines with the entire country. Lohegaon Airport or Pune Airport is an international airport, located 15 km away from Pune city centre. Visitors can avail of taxi and local bus services from outside the airport to reach their destination.
2. By Rail: Pune Junction Railway Station connects the city with all the prime Indian destinations. There are several mail/express trains and superfast trains linking the city to various Indian destinations in the south, north and west. Some of the prominent trains operating to and from Mumbai are the Deccan Queen and Shatabdi Express, which take around three-and-a-half hours to reach Pune.
3. By Road: Pune enjoys excellent connectivity with neighbouring cities and towns through a well-maintained network of roads. Mumbai (140 km), Ahmadnagar (121 km), Aurangabad (215 km) and Bijapur (275 km) all are well linked to Pune by a number of states and roadways buses. Those driving from Mumbai need to take Mumbai-Pune Expressway route, which takes barely two to three hours to cover a distance of about 150 km.
Source: pune.gov.in
1. Carry clothes suitable for the shifty spring temperatures during March and April.
2. A sturdy water bottle, if the festival has refillable water stations, and if the venue allows bottles to be taken inside.
3. COVID packs: Hand sanitiser, extra masks and a copy of your vaccination certificate are things you should keep handy.
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