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The Rise of Dhol Tasha in America: Boston, Baltimore and Beyond
In New England, the Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim group of the India Society of Worcester (ISW) has become a fixture in the Indian cultural landscape of the area.
ISW symphony at Faneuil Marketplace Boston / ImageCourtesy: Rajesh Khare
In recent years, the beats of Dhol Tasha have been making waves far beyond their origins in India, resonating across cities in the United States. From Boston to Baltimore and beyond, this traditional Maharashtrian art form has seen a surge in popularity, thanks to dedicated groups that bring its energetic spirit to life.
In New England, the Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim group of the India Society of Worcester (ISW) has become a fixture in the Indian cultural landscape of the area.
ISW Symphony women with the Dhol . / Image Courtesy: Rajesh KhareStarted three years ago by volunteers of the ISW, the group has grown to over 65 members, representing various regions of India. They have performed at venues such as Faneuil Marketplace, the Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston, and the Worcester Art Museum, with a total of 25 performances to their name.
What sets the ISW Symphony group apart is their approach - while they honor the traditional beats of Dhol Tasha, they also incorporate rhythms from other parts of India, such as the beats of Punjab and the patterns of Gujarat. This blend reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of its members.
Arvind Kinhikar, one of the founding members of the ISW Symphony group, captures the passion that drives the ensemble: "एकच नशा, ढोल ताशा!" (Only One Passion: Dhol Tasha!). This simple yet powerful sentiment underscores the excitement and dedication that fuels the group's efforts.
ISW volunteer Ranjit Mulay shares a personal connection to the music: He said, "When I am playing my Dhol, tuning to the beats of Tasha, I feel like I have traveled back in time to my childhood, participating in the grand Ganesh Utsav celebrations in Mumbai. At that moment, I am completely immersed in the experience and lose myself in the beats, thoroughly enjoying every moment of it."
The ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim group isn’t just about performance; it’s about community building. They regularly collaborate with other art forms, including a Chenda Melam group from Kerala and the ISW Vocal Ensemble group. They create cultural experiences that go beyond Dhol Tasha alone.
The group conducts workshops for those interested in learning the art and welcomes newcomers with open doors to unite the community and spread the joy of Dhol, Tasha, and Lezim.
Further south, in Maryland, the Avartan Dhol Tasha Barchi Dhwaj Pathak has also been making significant strides. Established in 2021 by members of the Baltimore Marathi Mandal community, Avartan has quickly grown from a small group of eight to a robust ensemble of 40 members.
Known for their traditional Dhol Tasha patterns rooted in Pune’s musical heritage, Avartan infuses their performances with a blend of tradition and innovation.
Avatarns in New York. / Image Courtesy: Rajesh Khare
Avartan volunteer Ruddhi Wadadekar reflects on the emotional resonance of the group’s performances: "Avartan's Dhol Tasha performances in Maryland bring back fond memories of my school days at Jnana Prabodhini. Reliving that nostalgia here is truly special."
Avartan’s rise to prominence was marked by their recent invitation to perform at the India Day Parade in New York City, where they showcased their unique beats and energetic performances. With three major events lined up for the upcoming Ganesh festival, the group is set to continue captivating audiences across the region.
The popularity of Dhol Tasha is not confined to just Boston and Baltimore. Across the USA, many such groups are flourishing, bringing the sounds of Maharashtra to new audiences while preserving and ensuring the cultural tradition of Dhol Tasha thrives in new and exciting ways. While each group brings its distinct flavor to the art form, the common thread is a deep passion for Dhol Tasha and a commitment to fostering community through music.
NSW Symphony at Faneuil Marketplace. / Image Courtesy: Rajesh KhareAs Rajesh Khare, one of the organizers of the ISW group, puts it: "Dhol Tasha has a unique way of bringing people together. Whether you’re playing or simply listening, the beats resonate with something deep within us, creating a shared experience that unites us as a community."
Dhol Tasha groups nationwide are buzzing with excitement as they gear up for the upcoming Ganpati festival. They are ready to lead processions and energize crowds with their performances, accompanied by the resounding chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya!" filling the air.
Dhol Tasha is here to stay, and it’s only getting louder!
The author is a board member of the India Society of Worcester (ISW).
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