“Shivagarjana-Adelaide” is a Pathak (band) of traditional instruments, including Dhol, Tasha, Zhanj and Lezhim. This kind of music is mostly popular in Western part of India. The origin of Dhol-Tashe is from state of Maharashtra (Western India). These instruments are introduced in 15th century in western part of India and used for encouraging Warriors to defeat enemy and also to bring energy in mighty soldiers and also to celebrate the victory of the battle.
Now a days, Dhol-Tashe are generally played in Maharashtrian festivals especially to welcome and emersion ceremony of Lord Ganesha. Dhol tashe are always played in Group of people. Tasha always lead the beats and dhol is a base rhythm which supports tasha. & The pair of Metal instrument (Two Metal Saucers) Zanj act like a metronome. The dhol is a double-sided barrel drum played mostly as an accompanying instrument in regional music forms. This Music gives you a positive energy and it’s a team work not an individual effort so it motivates each member of the group to perform as one team which create a strong bonding in team.
This music cannot be played individually. It’s a group activity as a mixture of two-Three instruments played together. We perform this kind of music Mostly in Multicultural festivals in Australia and All festivals in Maharashtra- Western state of India. This art has been always a part of processions. So the music is always played in front of the Lord Ganesha Idol.
Anciently the music used to inspire the mighty warriors to defeat the enemy but now a day’s young generation in India is playing these instruments in cultural events. Costume is irrelevant of the music but the Puneri Pagadi which we wear on our head has a significant value. The Puneri Pagadi is a turban, which is considered as a symbol of pride and honour. It was introduced two centuries ago. Dhol or Tasha cannot play individually as this music is a combination of both instruments.
We started this Pathak (band) here in Adelaide as a branch of Shivagarjana- Pune since September 2013 and we got a huge response from Indian Community as well as Australian Community… We have performed in many Indian events such as Ganesh Festivals, inauguration of Swami Narayan Temple- Adelaide, Indian Mela by IAASA, Diwali Mela’s organised by many Indian Communities,etc. Apart from that we have performed in Australia Day Parade- In the city since 2014, Fringe Festival Parade 2016 & 2017, Multicultural Festival 2015 @ Rundell Mall… Our Sydney branch has been invited for the welcome ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.
Couple of years back, Shivagarjana- Adelaide had been invited by Multicultural SA to perform at Adelaide Oval for the official welcome ceremony of Indian Cricket Team for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Apart from that our Pathak (band) had performed in MICTA- MAAI Awards which are known to be one of the biggest award functions in Marathi Film industry.