Pune is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra in western
India, and is southeast of the state capital,
Mumbai. The city is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha river. Pune is the administrative capital of Pune district and the eighth most populous metropolitan area in India.
After the town was annexed to British India in 1817, it served as the "monsoon capital" of the Bombay Presidency until the independence of India. In independent India, Pune is known for its educational facilities, having more than a hundred educational institutes and nine universities. It also boasts a growing industry, with many information technology and automotive companies setting up factories in Pune district.
Pune has a tropical wet and dry climate with average temperatures ranging between 20°C to 28°C. It experiences three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Typical summer months are from March to May, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 38°C (85 to 100°F). Even during the hottest months, the nights are usually cool due to Pune's high altitude. The monsoon lasts from June to October, with moderate rainfall and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 28°C (50°F to 82°F). Most of the 722mm of rainfall in the city fall between June and September, and July is the wettest month of the year. Winter begins in November; when the daytime temperature hovers around 28 °C (83 °F) while night temperature is below 10 °C (50 °F) for most of December and January, often dropping to 5 or 6 °C (42 °F).
In recent years, cinemas, discos and clubs have also opened up as the younger, westernized college students and young professionals make their presence felt. Every December, Pune hosts the three-day long Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. It presents Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. During the festival of Diwali, Pahat Diwali is a musical programme that begins in the early morning hours.
