Pune: Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Shekhawat, who visited Shaniwarwada on Thursday, announced the use of modern technology, such as the audio-visual guide system, to enhance the visitors’ experiences. However, the light and sound show at this historical monument, which started around two decades ago, is operating in fits and starts. Visitors said they are often denied entry to the show due to technical glitches. The operators of the show impose conditions like “no refund of ticket fees in case of rain” as weather protection or roof covers are not available in the spectators’ section.Civic officials said the show started in 2000 and is held daily from 7pm to 9pm. It features a water screen created using pressure pumps and jet nozzles, on which a 45-minute short film about the history of Shaniwarwada is projected. Visitor Manisha Kolhapure said that the operators put conditions while giving tickets. “The operators claimed that if a particular number of tickets are not sold, they will not conduct the show. We came to visit the place and see the show. If they are scheduled, they should be held without any prerequisites like the number of attendees,” she added.Shivajinagar Madhuri Datar said that they planned a group trip to the monument but had to postpone it. “We learned that the shows get cancelled due to rain and other issues. There are no arrangements to protect citizens from showers. So we preferred to plan the tour at a more suitable time,” she said.Civic officials said the shows stopped months ago due to technical glitches. Some lights used for the show were damaged, so the visitors were not allowed to attend it. The system was damaged in 2009 and 2022.“The problem pertained to equipment used for lights which has now been repaired. The show has been getting a good response. The issues raised by the visitors will be addressed,” Manisha Shekatkar, head of PMC’s electrical department, said. The administration is preparing a plan to upgrade the system.Shaniwarwada, a 13-storey fort palace of the Peshwas, was built by Bajirao Peshwa I in 1736. The residential fort complex saw many chapters of the Peshwas’ history, where the stories were not only about the brave and influential administrators but also about gruesome deaths and their fall.It is among the most popular tourist attractions in Pune, from the ruins to the fort’s five doorways – Delhi Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, and Mastani Darwaza. Pune: Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Shekhawat, who visited Shaniwarwada on Thursday, announced the use of modern technology, such as the audio-visual guide system, to enhance the visitors’ experiences. However, the light and sound show at this historical monument, which started around two decades ago, is operating in fits and starts. Visitors said they are often denied entry to the show due to technical glitches. The operators of the show impose conditions like “no refund of ticket fees in case of rain” as weather protection or roof covers are not available in the spectators’ section.Civic officials said the show started in 2000 and is held daily from 7pm to 9pm. It features a water screen created using pressure pumps and jet nozzles, on which a 45-minute short film about the history of Shaniwarwada is projected. Visitor Manisha Kolhapure said that the operators put conditions while giving tickets. “The operators claimed that if a particular number of tickets are not sold, they will not conduct the show. We came to visit the place and see the show. If they are scheduled, they should be held without any prerequisites like the number of attendees,” she added.Shivajinagar Madhuri Datar said that they planned a group trip to the monument but had to postpone it. “We learned that the shows get cancelled due to rain and other issues. There are no arrangements to protect citizens from showers. So we preferred to plan the tour at a more suitable time,” she said.Civic officials said the shows stopped months ago due to technical glitches. Some lights used for the show were damaged, so the visitors were not allowed to attend it. The system was damaged in 2009 and 2022.“The problem pertained to equipment used for lights which has now been repaired. The show has been getting a good response. The issues raised by the visitors will be addressed,” Manisha Shekatkar, head of PMC’s electrical department, said. The administration is preparing a plan to upgrade the system.Shaniwarwada, a 13-storey fort palace of the Peshwas, was built by Bajirao Peshwa I in 1736. The residential fort complex saw many chapters of the Peshwas’ history, where the stories were not only about the brave and influential administrators but also about gruesome deaths and their fall.It is among the most popular tourist attractions in Pune, from the ruins to the fort’s five doorways – Delhi Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, and Mastani Darwaza.
