DJ ban drives bumper bookings for dhol-tasha troupes in Maharashtra

While protests continue over Maharashtra's ban on DJs, dhol-tasha troupes are having their busiest festival season in years. As Ganesh mandals look for alternatives to DJs, demand for traditional instrument groups has surged sharply.

Several troupes already have their calendars full for all 10 days of Ganeshotsav. Kishore Dikondawar, founder of the Shivpratap Dhol-Tasha Pathak, which has been active in the city since 2011, says his schedule is booked for the full 10 days. He says 16 shows are lined up this Ganeshotsav, and his troupe will perform every day. Last year they got only 8 to 10 shows, but this time demand has jumped sharply with DJs no longer an option.

Rahul Uke of the Daivat Dhol-Tasha Pathak in Wardha district says dhol-tasha should not be seen merely as a substitute for DJs. He says it is a centuries-old cultural tradition of Maharashtra that creates a disciplined and grand atmosphere during Ganesh immersion and welcome processions. He says young people are increasingly drawn to dhol-tasha because it brings people together without noise or rowdiness. This year, separate bookings are coming in for both the arrival and immersion processions.

Sandeep Joshi of Nagpur district has been running a series of initiatives in support of the DJ ban, from leading silent marches to meeting various officials to make the ban effective. Joshi says Ganeshotsav was celebrated with the same enthusiasm and devotion long before DJs arrived, and dhol-tasha has always been an essential part of the festival.