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Ganeshotsav: This year, dhol-tasha pathak pays tribute to Op Sindoor, draws crowds

The Moraya Dhol Tasha Pathak Trust of Pimpri-Chinchwad, which was born in 2011, has been highlighting an important facet of the country’s history, culture or social achievement during Ganeshotsav every year.

This year, Lakshmi Road became the stage for the pathak to present a tribute to Operation Sindoor on the first day of Ganeshotsav. (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)

As Operation Sindoor unfolded between India and Pakistan in May, a group of musicians in Pune knew that they would be paying tribute to the valour and sacrifices of the armed forces of the country during Ganeshotsav.

The Moraya Dhol Tasha Pathak Trust of Pimpri-Chinchwad, which was born in 2011, has been highlighting an important facet of the country’s history, culture or social achievement during Ganeshotsav every year. Last year, they drew the attention of the crowds of devotees to the state of the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, urging the administration to act on their upkeep and maintenance. It was an important message — to preserve the 300-350-year forts for future generations.

This year, Lakshmi Road became the stage for the pathak to present a tribute to Operation Sindoor on the first day of Ganeshotsav. The performance opened at Babu Genu Ganpati Temple in Budhwar Peth, turning the popular and old mandal into a stage. Devotees watched as around 200 performers created resounding music on dhol, tasha and cymbals. On a float, symbols from the war traced a trajectory, from the terrorist attack in Pahalgam where a grieving widow watched over her dead husband, to a missile hurtling through a dark sky. There was an image of jawans hoisting the Tricolour and Jai Hind written in bold. A powerful part of the depiction were two women performers dressed as officers of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

“We always play traditional music as we think it has more impact than modern music. The tunes for Operation Sindoor were also traditional but we brought in elements of bravery that are seen on battlefields. The beat of the dhol is slightly aggressive, the pieces are inspired by Shiv Stuti and Bhimrupi, which people immediately recognise as representing aggression and anger,” says Swaroopanand Netale, a trustee of the Moraya Dhol Tasha Pathak.

Though the performers were not able to have conversations with the crowds that swarmed around them, they remember people coming up for photos, reels and selfies. “The performers are constantly on the move, carrying the dhol and other musical instruments,” says Netale. The pathak’s next stop was Honaji Tarun Mandal, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and Police Line, Wakad. “We are taking the float to other places in Pune, but not everyday. We will present the special performance of Operation Sindoor on the special days, such as the fifth day of Ganeshotsav,” says Netale.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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