Written by Ruta Patil

At Shikshak Bhavan in Navi Peth, diyas glowed beside rainbow rangolis, the air filled with pharal and laughter, and the warmth of belonging lit up every corner. For Pune ’s LGBTQ+ community, ‘Nirali Diwali’, organised by Yutak LGBTQ charitable trust Sunday was more than a festive gathering. It was a celebration of acceptance, visibility, and chosen family.

Now in its third year, the event brought together queer individuals and their allies for an evening of performances, poetry, music, and shared stories.

“Festivals can feel lonely when you are alone or not accepted at home,” said Anil Ukarande, founder of Yutak LGBTQ.

“We started ‘Nirali Diwali’ so that no one feels left out. People come here, enjoy pharal together, sing, dance, express themselves and in doing

See Full Page