Experience behind the scenes of the Dhol Tasha and relive the origin story of the Nashik Dhol.

The Nashik Dhol has been the pride of Maharashtra for decades and has gradually won the hearts of every Indian. The country grooves to the beat of the world-famous Nashik Dhol. Every year on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and Visarjan. And not only this but also during festivals like Dahi Handi, Gudi Padwa, etc. But how many of us are aware of the origin of Nashik dhols? While the majority enjoy dancing their heart out to the Puneri Dhol Tasha, very few know about what goes on behind the scenes in the practice sessions and life of the Dhol Pathak. Let us discover how the art form emerged and what goes into keeping it alive today.

The Origin Story of the Nashik Dhol Tasha and Pathaks:

The Dhol originally was used as an instrument to get the spirits of the soldiers who fought wars, high. Before a battle, there would be a performance. It would be to motivate and encourage the soldiers who were at the forefront of the war. Later, we saw the use of dhols as officials from the king’s court would make announcements to the general public.

As times changed people incorporated the Dhol-Tashas into festivities as a form of celebratory music and performance instrument. This was noticed first in places like Pune and Nashik where the tradition still goes on. But whenever anyone mentions a Puneri Dhol Tasha, it is impossible to not bring up the man who made it all possible today. The man who started the tradition of playing the Dhol at Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations- Dr. Vishwanath Vinayak Pendse aka Appasaheb Pendse. Dr. Pendse was a revolutionary and an educationist. During the 60s because of riots, dhol tashas were banned at Anant Chaturthi celebrations. But Dr.Pendse went against this order. He played the Puneri Dhol alone because he noticed everyone seemed gloomy about not enjoying the festival enough without the dhols on the streets. Today, the Pathak groups take forward his legacy and perform with all the grandeur in and of their art. 

Why should you not miss out on the dhol tasha experience in Pune during Ganesh Visarjan?

Pune has been the land where the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi came into existence as a brainchild of Lokmanya Tilak- a freedom fighter and leader of the people. And ever since its establishment, Pune even today is the most decked up city whenever it comes to Ganesh Chaturthi. Punekars or Puneri’s here are so fond of the occasion that they compete over everything. Right from the best Ganapati Mandal to the Best Dhol Tasha Group on the Day of Visarjan.

The unique categories of pathaks who perform on the day of visarjan grab the attention of lacs of devotees who bid their beloved idol a heartbreaking goodbye. You can see a child aged 10-12 years old play the dhol about ten times his size and weight with more enthusiasm than the rest of the team. Diverse Pathak groups like all women pathaks, pathaks that celebrate secularism with all Muslim members on the Dhol. These really paint the picture of- together we are all humans and Indians who celebrate our culture together be it any festival any religion, caste, or creed. But you can certainly relive the magic of the Marathas and Peshwas lifestyle. Especially, when their traditional art forms and performances take the streets of Pune by storm.

The Rise of the Nashik Dhol Tasha

Art that empowered and uplifted women while art that tested the faith of diverse pathaks:

Over the years every time someone heard a dhol tasha play in the distance, it was instantly a dream to be a part of this mervanuk (procession or gathering) at least once in their lifetime. While many dream of being in the pathaks, the hard work and effort that goes into running a dhol tasha Pathak and trying to help it sustain is often difficult. Months and years of practice to get to play the Dhol Tashas occasionally during the festive season requires a lot of perseverance and patience. Let us introduce you to the Pathaks (groups that play the dhol) who are changing the way traditional pathaks worked.

Popular Dhol Tasha Pathaks in Pune:

Shiva Garjana Pathak:

Taking the art of the Nashik dhol around the globe, Shiv Garjana Pathak has performed overseas. With branches in Sydney, Adelaide, and Toronto. Established in the year 2002, the Pathak proud has 550 members with 250 dhols and 50 tashas. The group was fond of Dhol Tasha since their school days. Moreover, the members are all ex-students of Nutun Marathi Vidyalaya (NMV). It’s where dhol tashas were made a part of their curriculum. They have also performed at more than 100 Ganesh Festivals so far.

Samarth Pratishthan Pathak:

Established in the year 1999 it is said that this Pathak is one of the oldest dhol tasha pathaks to be formed. With over 450 members today the Pathak has 175 dhols, 50 tashas and other unique ideas like dhwaj (flags). 

NadBrahma Dhol Tasha Pathak:

NadBrahma Pathak is amongst the most popular dhol tasha groups to be formed. The group is always giving a tough competition to the top pathaks for being the winners of dhol tasha competition.

Badshah Dhol Company, Nashik:

This dhol Pathak is here to win hearts by their struggles of being accepted because they belong to a different religion. Khalil Ansari and his entire family have been in the Dhol Tasha Business from the beginning of their careers. But over time because of religious differences and socio-political factors poisoning the hearts and minds of many, their business was vastly affected. Khalil Ji has been an advocate of we are not our creed but we are our deed. He wants the world to accept their art celebrates Hindu festivals and embrace them wholeheartedly. For the Ansari Family, The dhol tasha Pathak is not only their profession but their faith in humanity that is restored because of their art.

All women Dhol Pathaks: while no Pathak, in particular, has only women establishment. Many pros from the field are encouraging all women groups to join them and have their all-women group. Some popular names include- Ramanbaug Group, Jnana Prabodhini, Shivmudra, Shyurya, and Samarth Pratishthan. While the dhol is an extremely heavy instrument to even begin with, women from all pathaks showcase extraordinary strength and determination as they compete with their male counterparts. 

While many more diverse groups bring in a fresh perspective to traditional art. The ones mentioned above are the aces in their game. If you are in the mood to groove to the Nashik Dhol, make sure Ganesh Utsav in Pune is on your bucket list.

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