In sync with traditional beats

Satyajeet Shinde (32) is the founder of Shivgarjana Dhol Tasha Group, started in 2002.

"We were only 50 members that time but now are over 500," he said.

This dhol-tasha group has huge dhols and tashas, the traditional rhythm instruments with saffron-coloured flags. "Our group performs before Navratri mandals every year and also Guruji Talim Mandal, the prestigious Ganapati immersion procession every year," Satyajeet said.u00a0

u00a0The Shivgarjana group performs in the concluding day procession of Tambdi Jogeshwari every year. The group also performs before Azad Mitra Mandal, Sahyadri Mitra Mandal, Akhil Mandai Mandal and Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati.

Satyajeet said that the group was established by young music lovers such as Atul Behere and Rajhans Mehendale and also had women dhol players like Amruta Deshpande, Priyata Joshi and Neha Deshpande. "We are equipped with a total 125 female workers who sport turban like their male counterparts in the group," he said.

Shivgarjana has a branch at Sydney, Australia and Chinya Gokhale and Apurva Yadav lead the branch there.

"The non-residential Punekars take lead and play Dhol Tasha in various cultural programs of Maharahstrians living there since past 3 years. Our idea is to start with another 500 new artists and include young boys and girls," Satyajeet said.u00a0

This year Shivgarjana has received an award for their services in Ganapati and Navratri festival. "The award is from Ninad Social Organisation and we are happy to get the recognition," said Satyajeet.