Dhol Tasha, the powerful drumming tradition from Maharashtra, India, is striking a chord in cities across the United States. This traditional art form, rooted in Indian festivals and celebrations, is now making its mark in places like Boston and Baltimore, thanks to passionate groups dedicated to keeping the tradition alive.
In New England, the ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim group stands out as a leader in this cultural wave. Founded just three years ago by volunteers from the India Society of Worcester, the group has rapidly grown to over 65 members. Their performances have become a fixture at regional events, gracing stages at well-known venues such as Boston’s Faneuil Marketplace, the Hatch Memorial Shell, and the Worcester Art Museum. In just a few years, they’ve notched up 25 performances, each showcasing their commitment to preserving and spreading the Dhol Tasha tradition.
What makes the ISW group unique is its inclusive approach to Dhol Tasha. They don’t just stick to traditional Maharashtrian beats; they also incorporate rhythms from other parts of India, such as Punjab and Gujarat. The group’s membership reflects this diversity, with participants from various regions, including men, women, children, and seniors. Arvind Kinhikar, one of the founding members, captures the group’s spirit perfectly: “एकच नशा, ढोल ताशा!” (There’s only one high, Dhol Tasha!). Another volunteer, Ranjit Mulay, describes how playing Dhol connects him to his roots: “When I play my Dhol to the beats of Tasha, I’m transported back to my childhood at Mumbai’s grand Ganesh Utsav, completely immersed in the moment and relishing every beat.”
Beyond performances, the ISW group collaborates with other cultural groups, including a Chenda Melam ensemble from Kerala and the ISW Vocal Ensemble, enriching their performances with diverse sounds and traditions. They also host workshops to teach Dhol Tasha to newcomers, always eager to expand their circle and welcome those interested in learning this art form.
Sakshi Gurao, another founding member of the ISW group, shared the broader impact of participating in Dhol Tasha: “Playing Dhol Tasha doesn’t just bring joy; it makes people feel like they’re part of a community. Great for health, and even better for the soul.”
Down in Maryland, the Avartan Dhol Tasha Barchi Dhwaj pathak is another group making waves. Established in 2021 by members of the Baltimore Marathi Mandal, Avartan has grown from a modest group of eight to 40 members. They are known for their dedication to traditional Dhol Tasha rhythms while also adding their own innovative twists. For volunteer Ruddhi Wadadekar, performing with Avartan is a nostalgic experience: “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 presence at the India Day Parade in New York City was a significant milestone, bringing their dynamic performances to a broader audience. With the Ganesh festival on the horizon, they are preparing for several major events, where the beats of Dhol Tasha will once again take center stage, resonating with the festive spirit of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”
The enthusiasm for Dhol Tasha isn’t limited to just these two regions. Across the U.S., in cities like Redmond, Dallas, New Jersey, and Albany, Dhol Tasha groups are springing up, each contributing to the growing cultural landscape. These groups, while unique in their compositions and styles, share a common goal: to bring people together through the powerful, unifying rhythm of Dhol Tasha.
Rajesh Khare, an organizer with the ISW group, believes in the art form’s ability to connect people: “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.”
As these groups continue to grow and spread the beats of Dhol Tasha, this traditional art form is not just surviving—it’s thriving in new and exciting ways across the American landscape.
