Category: Music And Dances of Maharashtra

Music And Dances of Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a land of culture and festivities. There are myriad of dance forms and music that are part of its traditions and Customs. The folk dances of Maharashtra are particularly entertaining. Theses art-forms are either influenced by religion or are part of a rich culture.

There are several forms of music and dance in Maharashtra; amongst the most popular folk dances, Tamasha, Koli, Dhangri Gaja, Povadas, Lavani are worth- mentioning. These dance forms are characterized by their rhythmic dance movements and graceful style. In fact, they showcase the state’s age-old society that has remained immersed in art and culture for centuries.

Among the religious dances, Kala is the most popular one. This dance form is entirely dedicated to Lord Krishna. This rhythmic dance is performed using a pot. Dindi is another dance form that is devoted to Lord Krishna and reflects his joviality and merriment.

Tamasha is a distinctive blend of the renowned Sanskrit dramas, “Bhana” and “Prashana”, creating a unique form of entertainment. The dancers play to the tunes of several musical instruments like manjeera, tuntuni and cymbals. The use of ghunghroos is very common. Koli dance is another folk dance that reflects the lifestyle of the Koli tribe. As fishing is the main occupation of this tribe, this dance also consists of rowing and wave movements of boat.

Among the other music and dance of Maharashtra, Dhangri Gaja is very well known and showcases the life of Dhangar shepherds. These shepherds are known for their artistic poems that they recite with full zest and enthusiasm. Their poems often comprise of beautiful lyrics that are based on their religious sentiments.

Lavani is a term that is derived from “lavanya” which means beauty. In Lavani, womenfolk perform on the beats of “dholak”, a musical instrument. They wear long sarees. This entertaining dance form is not only entertaining but also deals with several subjects of society including love, romance, and Religion. Povadas is a dedicated to the great warrior of Maharashtra, namely, Chatrapati Shivaji who was a successful Maratha ruler. This dance is an embodiment of his achievements and heroic deeds.

Apart from dances, Maharashtra is also famous for its folk music which is equally entertaining as well as inspiring to the listeners. “Ovi” is a type of musical song traditionally sung by women, and typically focuses on themes related to their unmarried and married lives. “Bhaleri” is sung at the time of harvesting to celebrate the farm-produce.

Non-stop Bhajans that are continuously played for seven days in the temples are sung in praise of the deities. “Gondhal” is a musical genre specifically devoted to Lord Rama, Malhari, and various other deities. “Lalita” is a theatrical music whose theme is based on ancient puranas.

The music and dances of Maharashtra are the symbols of entertainment and enthusiasm, they, in fact, are the treasure-house of rich and diverse Culture of the society.

Music And Dances of Maharashtra

Natya Sangeet – Maharashtra Music

by travelworldplaneton March 13, 2023March 13, 2023Leave a Comment

Natya Sangeet is a type of musical stage performance that is influenced by classical Indian music. This vocal art is very popular in Maharashtra and involves staging of several musical plays including Draupadi, Sharada, and Vidyaharan. Narayanrao Rajhauns was responsible for development of entire new genre. The advent of musical plays can be attributed to …

Music And Dances of Maharashtra

Tamasha Folk Dances of Maharashtra

by travelworldplaneton March 13, 2023March 13, 2023Leave a Comment

Tamasha is a theatrical art that is accompanied by music and dance. It is one of the most popular folk art among masses of Maharashtra. Dating back to 16th centaury, it is played using several musical instruments like Tuntuni, Dholka, Manjeera, Cymbals etc. Some other instruments like Lezim, Kade and Halgi are also on full …

Music And Dances of Maharashtra

Povadas Dance, Maharashtra

by travelworldplanetupdated on March 11, 2023March 12, 2023Leave a Comment

Povadas are Marathi ballads that center around the life and accomplishments of Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji, the renowned ruler who laid the foundation for the Maratha kingdom in Maharashtra. These ballads have been sung for centuries as a tribute to Shivaji’s magnanimous personality, fearless attitude, and exemplary courage. Povadas often highlight Shivaji’s distinctive fighting styles, immense …

Music And Dances of Maharashtra

Koli Dance of Maharashtra

by travelworldplaneton March 11, 2023March 11, 2023Leave a Comment

Koli dance derives its name from the popular fishermen who are called Kolis. This dance form has incorporated all the elements that are present in the lifestyle of these fisher folks. Performed by both men and women together, this dance is the reflection of their otherwise hard and strenuous lives. The dance is done using …