For a generation moving away from traditional notions, the rituals of Vaarkaris and their songs might feel archaic. The six-member band, Abhanga Repost, hopes to change this with their updated avatar of abhangs. 

Formed in 2015, the band released their debut album Vaari — a compilation of sixsongs — in July this year. Each song is based on a famed abhang — devotional songs popular in Marathi. Dushyant Deorukhkar, drummer of the band, tells us, “I was in KC College, Churchgate, with Swapnil Tarphe [bass guitarist] and Viraj Acharya [tabla and percussion] when we started performing at festivals around the city. The drive was to do something original in the Marathi language.” 
 
The band later came together with lead vocalist Pratish Mhaske,  Ajay Vavhal (electric guitar) and Tushar Totre (harmonium) joining the team to create folk-fusion songs inspired by abhang poetry.