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

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.

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