Lexagent

MEDIA COVERAGES

Lex Visas (formerly Lexagent) along with Pune Expat Club has been privileged to feature in various publications over the last several years. Our commitment and dedication to the cross-border services is evident from these coverages and we are thankful to the media for encouraging and motivating us.

Expats Go Pandal Hopping in the City

French nationals Pierre-Sylvain Gires and Joaquim were thrilled to go on a Ganesh walk in the peth areas of the city on Sunday. More so because they got to experience the beauty of Pune’s Ganeshotsav with a group of expats from the city. The annual Ganesh walk for ex-pats was attended by around 30 people from various countries, who are currently in the city and were keen to be a part of the festivities. The walk commenced from Shaniwar Wada and took the expats to Kasba Ganpati, Bhau Rangari, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug, , Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, and Mandai Ganpati. They got to witness dhol-tasha performances and also sampled tasty ukadiche modak.

Woman Leaders in Pune 2023

In the era of globalization, every economy in the world is trying to gain a competitive advantage by inviting the best talents around the world to enhance development. With the relocation of human resources, there is a wide expansion in the economic and cultural aspects of the world. Relocation and immigration not only provide broader job prospects but also create challenges for immigrants, especially in acclimating to a new environment Aiming to provide hassle-free relocation services to expat employees, Preeti Roongta co-founder Lexagent Expat Relocation Services along with her dynamic husband, Vikas Roongta. Preeti is a Bachelor’s degree holder in science and Post Graduate Diploma in Designing. She has a strong hold on customer service, business development, and corporate training. With twenty years of experience in immigration and relocation. Preeti is helping her clients to settle with ease in India. Preeti Roongta engages in an interactive session with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine, let’s hear from her. Tell us about your educational journey and prior industry experience. 

Tracing History & the Grandeur of the Ganeshotsav

On a rainy Sunday morning, Shaniwar Wada was buzzing with a group of enthusiastic expats. Armed with their cameras, and notepads and wearing traditional headgear with ‘Ganpati Bappa Moraya’ written on it, a group of 50 expats gathered at the heritage structure to embark on a walk across the five ‘Manache Ganpati’ and other revered ‘Ganpati mandals’ in the city. In its eighth year, the walk, organized by the Pune Expat Club, saw first-time participants from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Scandinavian nations like Iceland and Norway. Together with ex-pats from the UK, Japan, France, Germany, and Italy, the walk started at around 8.45 am from the ‘Manache Pahila, Kasba Ganpati’

Rangoli, Diya’s & Festive Fare at this Pre-Diwali Bash

The festival of lights is just around the corner and besides the delicious food, crackers, and blessings, people look forward to the parties and get-togethers. Giving a true taste of the celebration while adding its uniqueness, Phoenix Market city, Pune together with Minoti Makim, hosted a group of city expats and socialites for a pre-Diwali bash, a yearly ritual. Adorned with gorgeous festive decor lights, lamps, diya’s, flowers, and rangoli, the shopping destination was exuberating love for all the guests who were in for this special occasion. Dressed in traditional Indian outfits, the folks had a gala time exchanging pleasantries, making new friends, and chatting up with their old buddies while enjoying cocktails.

EXPATS ENJOY City’s Festive Mood with ‘Ganesh Walk’

Claire and Mark Edwards from Britain, and Kevin Haritmonds from Indonesia could not hide their happiness when they participated in the ‘Ganesh Walk’ here on Sunday. Pune’s Ganesh festival, which is a matter of pride for the entire country, also has many admirers from foreign countries who can be seen enjoying the festivities with similar fervor and enthusiasm. For the last six years, Lexagent Expat Relocation and Pune Expat Club have helped and taken the foreigners who migrate to the city and are associated with them on a Ganesh Walk, where they take a tour of the city’s most popular Ganesh Mandals.  Along with the five ‘Manache (Revered) Ganpati….

On Foot and with New Friends, a Trip to the most Special Ganesh Mandals in the City

A RESIDENT of Pune for the last 18 years, Sachin Ratnakar, a history enthusiast, has never quite explored the heritage places in the city. But this Ganeshotsav wants to make amends by participating in a heritage walk that will take him around the five main ‘Manache’ Ganapati’s. “Due to my busy schedule, I never got time to explore the heritage and culture of the city. That’s why I want to participate in the Ganpati walk, along with my wife and children , as I believe it will give us in-depth knowledge about various things, “he said.

Mandal hopping on expat club’s to-do list

The Pune Expat Club and Lexagent relocation, are all set to organize the annual Ganesh walk for expats in the city on September 16, 9:30 am onwards. The walk takes the expats Ganpati mandal-hopping across the city while tracing the history and explaining the grandeur and importance of Pune’s heritage. “The Ganesh walk began seven years ago. We get many calls from expats, especially those who have recently settled in the city, to participate in the walk with their families,” said Preeti Roongta, co-founder of Pune Expat Club. The Pune Expat Club keeps the group limited to 50 members so that it is easy to navigate through the crowd. 

Go on a Festival Walk

Visit the prominent Ganpati installations this weekend during this festival walk organized by the Pune Expat Club. The guided walk will begin with the Kasba Ganpati, moving on to the others in the Shaniwar Wada area, and will end at the Mahatma Phule Mandai.

FLYING HIGH WITH THE KITES

Each year on Republic Day, the Puravankara Kite Fest is held at Oxford Golf Club and is a very popular expat event organized by Lexagent Expat Locations and the Pune Expat Club. The venue is beautiful a sprawling golf course in the hills above Pune with views for miles. This year, the event was spread out over two large greens plus the upper lawns. As you exited the clubhouse, you would find the upper lawn set up with tables and a food-for-purchase area.  Next to this was the kite-making area where you could purchase kites from vendors. On the other upper lawn was a display by an outdoor gear company who were offering a chance at paintball and archery for a fee. There were vendors advertising their services or products. On entering, everyone was given a raffle ticket,….

PURAVANKARA KITE FEST 2018

Pune Expat Club & Lexagent in association with Puravankara Ltd. organized the Puravankara Kite Fest on the spectacular occasion of ‘Republic Day’, 26th January 2018, at the prestigious Oxford Golf Resort, Pune. It was a day to remember! The international community from 25+ countries rubbed shoulders with the social elites of Pune and dotted the Pune skyline with kites of different hues, shapes, colors, enthusiasm & Child-like excitement at Puravankara Kite Fest 2018. And what better than India’s Republic Day to assimilate and kick-start celebrations for the first cultural festival of the calendar year. The skillful flyers proudly displayed their abilities and showcased their high-flying acquisitions. Children enthusiastically participated in kite-making workshops .

EXPATS TO FLY HIGH AT R-DAY KITE FEST

Pune: A bullet train, a dancing alien, 60-feet snakes, 100 kite trains and dragons will dot the city skies on January 26 as the Pune Expat Club and Lexagent hold the Puravankara Kite Fest 2018 at the Oxford Golf Resort between 3 pm and 8 pm. he International community that includes members from over 25 countries will celebrate India’s Republic Day at the kite festival in the presence of noted kite designer Ashok Shah. Another highlight of the event will be the LED Kite Show. Besides kite flying by professionals and visitors, other attractions would include a kite-making workshop, kid’s corner, adventure activities, putt-putt golf, test rides, lucky draw and food.

PURAVANKARA KITE FEST 2018

PURAVANKARA Kite Fest 2018 at Oxford Golf Resort is an event organized by Pune Expat Club & Lexagent Expat Relocations. This fun-filled event is generating significant interest amongst the expat/International community, multinational corporations, and social elites of Pune. The event entails of kite flying, professional kite flyers, high tea, a kid’s corner, and other fun activities. The fest is based on initial enthusiasm shown, the event is likely to witness about 800 to 1000 participants From about 25+ nationalities like French, British, Scottish, American, Italian, Canadian, Mexican, Belgian, Mauritian, Germans, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, New Zealander, Australian, Lebanese, Brazilian, Dutch and Polish. Kite Fest held last year in January 2017 witnessed unique shapes kites like: ; you name it and it was soaring in the skies. 

HAIR & SKIN DIAGNOSIS DAY AT FAHRENHEIT SALON

Fahrenheit Salon, a rapidly expanding chain of Kerastase and Decleor affiliated salons, held a Hair, Scalp, and Skin Diagnosis Day for the gorgeous ladies of the Pune Expat Club at their newly renovated swanky Phoenix Market City outlet.

In a day that can only be described as extremely enjoyable and indulging, all the beautiful ladies had their hair and scalp analyzed by the Kerastase expert using a special hair and scalp profiler camera. Post the diagnosis they were treated to a complimentary Kerastase hair wash and dry at Fahrenheit Salon and some even opted to avail the Kerastase Hair Rituals on offer. 

ELABORATE ASIAN FARE

Priya Kriplani Mahtani and Dheeraj Mahtani, founders of The Asian Box, co-hosted dinner with Preeti Roongta, founder of Pune Expat Club, for the club members, on Saturday, at the recently launched property in Baner. The guests enjoyed the special spread prepared for them where sushi was served from the sushi bar of the club. The upbeat and vibrant vibe of the place added to the fun.

WALK TO REMEMBER FOR EX-PATS

Six-year-old Alex perched upon his father Victor’s shoulders and exclaimed, “I see so many people everywhere,” near the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal. He was a part of the Ganesh walk organized by the Pune Expat Club conducted by Jayesh Paranjape.

The Ganesh Walk began in 2012 for the first time with eight foreigners. “The expats are keen on knowing everything about the city and hence, this tour helps them. I feel that the secular spirit of this festival is showcased through this tour, which begins with the Kasba Ganpati,” Preeti Roongta of the Pune Expat Club. “They experience it firsthand and get to be a part of the festivity,” Preeti added. This year, 48 foreigners, including two children were a part of the Ganesh walk.

GANESHOTSAV WALKS GAIN POPULARITY

As the celebrations of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav reached their 125th year, it is evident from the trends that the festival has only grown bigger – from the staging of plays at pandals to the organization of photo walks. For Jayesh Paranjape, founder of Western Routes, a city-based travel company the swelling demand to visit the five Manache Ganapati pandals led to the conceptualization of the Ganesh Festival Walk four years ago. It is now an annual tradition that takes participants on a guided walk through the old city, which is considered to be the heart of Ganeshotsav in Pune. “For those of us who live outside the old city, the Ganesh festival Is negatively associated with traffic and loud music, that is not what the festival stands for, and older pandals in the city, including Manache Ganapati, stay away from fanfare and traditionally celebrate the festival,” said Paranjape, who initiated the walk to re-introduce the residents of the city.

A WALK TO REMEMBER

The loud yet exciting beats of the dhol Pathak! The lip-smacking sweet relish of modaks. People dressed in saffron as they throng the streets chanting ‘Ganapati Bappa Moraya!’ Bappa is back and with him the hubbub of the Ganapati festival. While getting involved in the Ganapati festival can get exhilarating for Puneites, one can only imagine how stirring it can be for someone who isn’t so familiar with it. We aren’t talking just about non-Maharashtrians, but about the expats who live in the city. Conducted especially for them are Ganapati walks by the Pune Expat Club (PEC) each year. Their walks start from Shaniwar Wada as well, after which there’s a walk-through of Lal Mahal, and Kasba Ganapati followed by the Dagdusheth Mandal decoration. 

EXPLORE THE FLAVORS OF JAPANESE CUISINE

Deliciousness served with a dash of Love! Japanese Master Class event turned out a gastronomic trip to Japan at Baan Tao, The Hyatt Pune. The most awaited event of Pune Expat Club & The Hyatt, Pune kicked off with drool-worthy sushi and signature dishes by the very fascinating Chef Shohei. The attractive members of the Pune Expat Club made the Sunday morning all the more special. About 40 families from different nationalities took part in this wonderful & engaging event.  Chef demonstrations, cooking of Sushi rice (Kokohu rice), preparation of Sushi seasoning, and Miso Shiro….

A JAPANESE DELIGHT

JAPANESE MASTER CLASS – An event organized by the Pune Expat Club – took place on March 19 at Baan Tao, Hyatt, in Pune. The event offered a teaching session on preparing sushi and other signature dishes by Chef Shehai as well as saw the guests relishing the cuisine. With a turnout of 40 families from various nationalities, a demonstration of cooking a handful of Japanese dishes was given by the chef. Ingredients such as mizkan vinegar, sushi vinegar, kombu leaf, miso paste, pickle ginger, and wakame were extensively used.

SUSHI WAY

Pune Expat Club in association with Hyatt Class event. It promises to be a wonderful day for the entire family. Chef Shohei Nakajima from Saitama, Japan will demonstrate five types of Sushi rolls, three types of Sashimi, and Miso Shiro Soup in the Master class. The Master class event is 1.5 hours long and the demonstration will be more interactive and engaging. Guests will be invited to try their hand at rolling sushi. So learn to roll your sushi, share laughter, and bond over yummilicious food.

HIGH AS A KITE

On Indi’s Republic Day, the international community in Pune dotted the skyline at Oxford Golf Resort with kites of different hues, shapes, colors, enthusiasm, and child-like excitement at the BMW Kite Fest 2017. More than 1200 enthusiasts from more than 20+ nationalities like French, British, Scottish, American, Italian, Canadian, Mexican, Belgian Mauritian, Germans, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, New Zealander, Australian, Lebanese, Brazilian, Dutch, Polish and Indians took part in this fun-filled open-air event. 

KITE FEST 2017-EXCITEMENT HOVERING HIGH

Kite flying is an art that nobody can teach you, yet you acquire the skill when you become a regular. One such attempt was made on India’s Republic Day when the international community in Pune dotte the skyline at Oxford Golf Resort with kites of different hues, shapes, colors, enthusiasm & childlike excitement at the BMW Kite Fest 2017. More than 1200 enthusiasts from more than 20+ nationalities like French, British, Scottish, American, Italian, Canadian, Mexican Belgian Mauritian, Germans, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, New Zealander, Australian, Lebanese, Brazilian, Dutch, Polish& Indians took part in this fun filed open air event! 

LEXAGENT: CORPORATE RENTALS WITH EXPAT RELOCATIONS

Vikas Roongta and his wife Preeti Roongta had lived and worked at a case management software company in Silicon Valley for 6 years before a work assignment made them look at things from a different perspective. In what was to be the power couple’s last assignment in California, Vikas and Preeti were tasked with software implementation for numerous relocation companies, global firms, and mobility teams of multinational corporations. This led to a life-changing realization. The couple observed that while employee relocation programs and immigration industries were fairly advanced in the Western world, they were almost non-existent in India, revealing a gaping lacuna, especially with the growing economy of 2005. So packing their bags, Vikas and Preeti flew back to India to start Lexagent – an employee relocation, real estate, and immigration services company. 

ON THE TEA TRAIL, EX-PATS LEARN ABOUT BREWING THE PERFECT CUPPA

Who doesn’t love their cup of chai? With or without milk, with a hint of lemon or a dash of ginger and spices or with salt –the humble tea is a quintessential conversation starter or ice-breaker. Most Indians, unless they are a fan of the tea’s step-sibling coffee, have fond memories of drinking a cuppa with family or bonding with friends or even random strangers.  It is, after all, not only the English who think a spot of tea is the solution to life’s problems. Not many tea drinkers, though, truly fathom the power in the leaves behind this brew.

WONDERS OF KITE FESTIVAL

Kite Fest 2016 promises to be a wonderful evening for the entire family. The event, along with kite flying, includes High Tea, Kreative Korner (fun activities for kids), and some entertainment like archery, horse riding, and paintball. The day will end with the release of Chinese sky lanterns. The event will have around 500-600 members from the international community such as French, British, Scottish, American, Italian, Canadian, Mexican, Belgian, Mauritian, and German nationals. Guests are likely to get kites from their respective countries, which will be flown to the venue.

GANESH FESTIVE WALK

Pune Expat Club organized a ‘Ganesh Festival Walk‘ for their expat members on September 22. About 50 members from the international community a mix of French, British, Scottish, American, Italian, Canadian, Mexican, Belgian, Mauritian and German nationals assembled at Shaniwarwada. The members were briefed about the background of the festival. Going with the festive mood, everyone wore ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya’ caps and marched towards Dagdusheth Ganapati, Tulsi Baugh Ganapati (Monday). Nimbalkar Talim Ganpati, to name a few, found their way through the by-lanes of the old city, the walk started at 5 pm and concluded at 7.30 pm at Shaniwarwada. The city seems completely transformed and I am thoroughly enjoying this distinct culture,” said Rose Smith, a British national who has been living in Pune for the last eight years. 

A WALK TO REMEMBER

The loud yet exciting beats of the dhol Pathak! The lip-smacking sweet relish of modaks. People dressed in saffron as they throng the streets chanting ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya!’ Bappa is back and with him the hubbub of the Ganapati Festival. While getting involved in the Ganapati festival can get exhilarating for Puneites, one can only imagine how stirring it can be for someone who isn’t so familiar with it.  We aren’t talking just about non-Maharashtrians, but about the expats who live in the city. Conducted especially for them are Ganapati walks by the Pune Expat Club (PEC) each year. Their walks start from Shaniwar Wada as well, after which there’s a walk-through of Lal Mahal, and Kasba Ganapati followed by the Dagdusheth Mandal decoration. Next comes shopping at Tulshi Baugh after which they view the decorative lights at Natubaugh Manda on Bajirao Road.

A GLOBAL GLIMPSE

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page is a popular travel quote. Well, if that’s the case then the WOW International Art Show can be said to be an eclectic collection of stunning glimpses of the world seen through the eyes of the international community has traveled far and wide. Global citizens from as many as 17 countries exhibited at the art show that was organized by
the Pune Expat Club (PEC). Participants and attendees included Danish, Swedish, Iranian,
Israeli, Slovakian, British, Scottish, American, Indian, Australian, French, German, Italian, and
many more expatriates who now call Pune their home. Art is universal and hence impressions from around the world were presented in this unique art show of photos, paintings, and art installations. 

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Our photographer Snehil Sakhare captures an expat walk by a life-size image of a girl smiling at the fourth Annual WOW International Art Show 2014, organized by Pune Expat Club and Lexagent at Novotel -Snehil Sakhare DNA.

5 THINGS TO DO IN INDIA THIS WEEKEND

Your guide to some of the best cultural events taking place around India this weekend. Where to be, what to see, and what to do. About 70 amateur artists will display their works at the last edition of this annual festival. Organized by the Pune Expat Club, which helps the city’s ex-pats connect through a range of cultural events, the exhibition Will also -host a silent auction, collections from which will be donated to a charity that Works for women’s empowerment.

GET ‘WOW’ ED!

Pune Expat Club and Lexagent, in association with Panchshil, have organized the WOW International Art Show 2014 on Feb 2 at Novotel. From art installations to paintings to photographs, expat artists are offering a lot to art enthusiasts. Shalaka Nalawade spoke to five of them. The proceeds from the sale at the show will go to two NGOS – Ashta No Koi and Bright Star Education Charitable. Sakal Times is the media partner for the event.

MICHAL BERGER DANISZEWSKI
A student from Israel Michal Berger Daniszewski will be displaying her photograph at the art show. Talking about her pictures, she says, ‘I took this picture in Cape Town, South Africa when I was there on a vacation. It was a matter of seconds when I clicked this picture.

TRAVELLING THROUGH THE CANVAS

Now Puneites will get a chance to gape at the mesmerizing sunset in Udaipur, dive into the German nightlife, or stroll along the docks of Hamburg — all under one roof. Come Sunday, artwork from across the globe will find its way to the fourth edition of the WOW International Art Show, organized by the Pune Expat Club and Lexagent in association with Panchshil.

“WOW, International Art Show has brought artists from all over the world on a single platform. People from as many as 17 countries are exhibiting their works here. Art is universal and hence….

GLOBAL CANVAS

The city being a second home for expats, a substantial lot out of the population is interested in the arts and every once in a while, they present their creations in an annual exhibition titled WOW International Art Show. The exhibition will feature artists from all over the world who will showcase photographs, paintings, and art installations. So catch the Lisbon lights, sunset at Udaipur, Pangyong Lake, elephants of Kerala, German nightlife, and docks of Hamburg to the Alps poignantly captured by the artists and photographers. Works of 70 adult and child photographers plus artists will be on sale at the standard price. The proceeds will be donated to Brightstar Education, a charitable organization.

A REAL WOW SHOW

The 4th annual WOW International Art Show 2014, organized by Pune Expat Club and Lexagent in association with Panchshil, will take place at Novotel Pune, Nagar Road on Sunday, Feb 2, 2014. Global citizens – Danish, Swedish, Iranian, Israeli, Slovakian. British, Scottish, American, Indians, Australian, French, Germans, and Italians – are exhibiting at the Art Show. Art is universal and hence impressions from around the world are presented for you in this unique art show of photos. paintings and art installations. Entire proceeds from the sale or auction of the exhibits will be donated to charity.

THE WOW EFFECT

Showcasing the artistic talents of expats around the city was the 4th annual WOW International Art Show 2014, organized by the Pune Expat Club. Held at Novotel, Pune, the event featured paintings from different parts of the world including America, Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Korea, Japan, and Iran showing their perspective or beauty in various art forms. The celebrity pavilion had some renowned artists contributing their work for a silent auction. Entire proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Ashta No Kai and Brightstar Education.

NETWORK INTEGRATE ENJOY

The motto of the Pune Expat Club is Network. integrate. enjoy … make wonderful friends along the way! “That’s what Preeti Roongta, co-founder of the club, explained to us. She and her husband wanted to create networks for newcomers in the city, to bring them together by organizing special events. Their 750 members come from 32 different countries. There are mainly German and American expatriates, but also French. Italians, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. Indians. 

INDIA CAPTURED!

The members of the Pune Expat Club showcased their interpretation of India at the PEC WOW India Photo & Painting Exhibition on October 1. Most of them are not professional shutterbugs, yet their works create magic. Preeti Devnani brings you some interesting glimpses from 40 exhibits displayed at the do.

Rose Smith (England): Though we shifted to India only three years ago, my husband and I would come every Christmas to India for holidays to escape the winters. This pic was taken 11 years ago in Goa by camera using a roll. These local kids used to sell peanuts on the beach and their smiles caught fancy. They did not have the easiest life but they were so happy, much happier than children who have all the luxuries m the world. 

AN ARTY AFFAIR

Pune art enthusiasts were treated to a photo and painting exhibition organized by WOW India. Ista Pune played the perfect host and made sure the guests got a better view of the exhibits. The exhibits were on sale and all the proceeds were donated to an NGO. While the guests browsed through the artworks. Ista laid out a wide spread of finger food accompanied by beverages. The paintings were auctioned and the buyers were presented with gift vouchers by Ista. Post the auction everyone was given a relaxing 10 min massage by the Ista Spa therapist!

NAMASTE INDIA

When & Where
Pune Expat Club is organizing the Wow India Photo and Painting show on September 16 (Sunday) at the Ista Hotel on Nagar Road, Yerwada, from 2 pm to 7 pm. Entry per person is Rs. 200.
The Pune Expat Club’s Wow India 2012 brings American, British, French, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian, Korean, Japanese, and Iranian expatriates (to name a few) in the city under one roof to showcase their perspective on life in India through art. Over 65 participants, most of whom are artists and photographers, are already with their exhibits, and around 100 of their paintings and photographs will be on display at the show. 

ART FOR A CAUSE

The 2nd annual WOW India 2011, photo and painting exhibition organized by the Pune Expat Club and co-presented by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, was held at Ista Hotel on Nagar Road last Sunday. lsta also the hospitality partner for this event, was carefully chosen for hosting the exhibition as It is known for good food and beverages, as well as its warm and gracious hospitality. The event featured more than 50 amateur artists exhibiting their perceptions of the beauty of India. The lively, energetic ambiance provided by lsta contributed to the success of the event. The General Manager of the hotel, Nikhil Kapur, said, “We were delighted to associate ourselves with the Pune Expat Club and the Ashraya Initiative for Children”. 

RIOT OF COLOURS IN THE SKY

Foreign nationals tried their hands at kite flying during the first Pune Kite Festival organized by the Pune Expat Club at Amanora Park Town Pune witnessed diverse hues as foreign nationals from across the globe displayed their kite flying skills on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Saturday. Organized by the Pune Expat Club (PEC), the first annual Pune Kite Festival at Amanora Park Town saw hundreds of expatriates participating in the kite-flying tradition, an integral part of our Makar Sankranti festival, as kites of different colors, shapes and designs filled the skies. Maile Sarasola from Uruguay who moved to Pune a week ago to volunteer with an NGO, said, “Coming to this festival was an eye opener for me as I had no clue that there are so many foreigners Living in Pune. This was a good opportunity for me to meet other expats living here and hear their stories

HIGH FLY!

Colorful kites will dot the sky when the Pune Expat Club (PEC) hosts the Pune Kite Festival 2011 for the first time on January 15. The event is an initiative of PEC to familiarise foreigners living in the city over an extended period with Indian culture. The expats are generally here due to work and hold senior management positions. In short, the event looks poised to be a package deal as it’s not only about flying kites, but one will also get to learn more about traditional Indian arts as there will be Lac bangle makers and mehendi artists doing stuff. “We are trying to do something different. While it’s easy to host an event at a five-star hotel, finding the right venue for the kite festival took almost two months”, says Vikas Roongta, Cofounder, Pune Expat Club.