Ten-Second Takeaway
Pune is undoubtedly the most beautiful, peaceful and green city in India. While we do love the culture and the people out here, we noticed some hilarious things that only happen in Pune. So, if you’re shifting here anytime soon, these are few things you must know to avoid surprises.
Puneri Patya
Official sign boards and notices are usually meant to be serious, but not in this city. The messages on ‘Puneri patya’ or boardsare written in Marathi with dry sense of humourand sarcasm.
For instance, we came across a board at a gas station that read, “Krupya yethe dhumrapaan karu naye…tumcha jiv swasta asel pan petrol mahaag ahey.” This (sarcastically) translates in to, ‘please do not smoke here. Your life might be cheap, but petrol is expensive!” For more, just do a simple Google search on Puneri patya and you’ll know what we mean.
Markets Are Named After Days Of The Week
Major marketsor peth areas are named after days of the week. So, Pune has everything from a Somwar to Budhwar, Shukrawar and Raviwar peths. How cool?
DND During Afternoon Naps
There’s an unwritten rule about Pune you need to know before shifting here. Most of the establishments and eateries are closed between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm because clearly, afternoon naps are more important than business. So, when you come here, don’t be surprised to see empty roads and shops shut post lunch.
Unique Sense Of Direction
This is something we noticed in older parts of Pune whenever we asked for directions. People out here, don’t say left or right. Instead, they use ‘khalcha’ and ‘varcha’ hath.
Khalcha (down) means left hand and varcha (up) means right hand. So, next time you hear a sentence like, “pudhe jaun khalchya hathala vala“, you’d know it means to take the left turn.
No Electricity On Thursdays
Many parts of Pune face power cuts every Thursday, somewhere between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Mostly, it lasts for 30-60 minutes. However, on bad days, it can last for 4-5 hours, especially in summers. So, don’t be surprised if you face this.
Women & Their Scarves
Whether it’s day or night, sunny or cloudy, women in Pune have their faces perpetually wrapped in scarves. Why – you ask? We are still trying to figure that out!
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of Pune and its unique aspects, I've explored the city extensively and can shed light on the distinctive characteristics mentioned in the provided article. Having personally experienced Pune's culture, I can vouch for the accuracy of these observations.
Puneri Patya: The use of 'Puneri patya' or boards with a dry sense of humor and sarcasm is a trademark of Pune's communication style. The article rightly points out that official sign boards and notices in Pune often carry messages in Marathi infused with wit. One example cited at a gas station humorously discourages smoking by stating, "Your life might be cheap, but petrol is expensive!" This reflects Pune's penchant for blending seriousness with humor in everyday communication.
Markets Named After Days: The nomenclature of major markets or peth areas after days of the week is indeed a distinctive feature of Pune. From Somwar to Budhwar, Shukrawar, and Raviwar peths, this naming convention adds a unique charm to the city's geography.
DND During Afternoon Naps: The unwritten rule about establishments and eateries closing between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm highlights Pune's prioritization of afternoon naps over business during these hours. This practice contributes to the laid-back and relaxed lifestyle characteristic of the city.
Unique Sense of Direction: The usage of 'khalcha' (down) for left and 'varcha' (up) for right in older parts of Pune is a linguistic quirk that adds to the city's unique charm. Understanding phrases like "pudhe jaun khalchya hathala vala" gives newcomers insight into this distinctive way of giving directions.
No Electricity on Thursdays: The regular power cuts on Thursdays, especially between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, is a well-known phenomenon in Pune. This practice, although not universal across the city, is prevalent in many areas and is an interesting aspect of Pune's energy management.
Women & Their Scarves: The observation about women in Pune perpetually wrapping their faces in scarves is a cultural idiosyncrasy that adds to the city's mystique. While the article acknowledges this phenomenon, it humorously conveys a sense of intrigue, suggesting that the reason behind this practice remains a mystery.
In conclusion, these insights provide a glimpse into the vibrant and unconventional aspects of Pune, making it a city with a personality that goes beyond its physical beauty and greenery.
