Tamasha Folk Dance – The Vibrant Energy of Maharashtra

Tamasha folk dance of Maharashtra:

Tamasha folk dance is a type of theater that originated in Maharashtra in the early 16th century and includes love songs like “Lavanis”, so this folk art was very popular among the people. Not only in its early days, Tamasha is one of the most popular folk songs in Maharashtra, India even today. Tamasha, Dholki drums, “Tuntuni” (single-string), “Manjira” cymbals, “Daf” (a leather instrument similar to a tambourine), “Halgi” (smaller than daf), sing along with a metal triangle called “Kade” and Includes dance. , “Lejim” (a musical jingle), Harmonia, and “Gunghroos” (ankle bell).
Tamasha is associated with and performed in two communities in Maharashtra, Kolhati, and Mahar.

History of Tamasha dance:

The history of Tamashi is different from that of other peoples of Maharashtra. Tamas’ intertwining of poetry and storytelling tells us that there is plenty of dance and music in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The strong influence of Sanskrit literature can be seen in the writing and creativity of Marathi folk art.

Ram Joshi (1762-1812) is considered the founder of Tamashi. He is known for reciting and singing Sanskrit Puranas and Kirtanias, as well as texts from his national dramas. Later, his association with Moropante, a major figure in Marathi literature, led to a revolution that sparked the popularity of the Moropante Arians sung by Ravani.

Poet singer Ravani “Shahirs,” wrote many songs and love songs for Tamashi. Therefore, scientists still believe that Ravani came from Tamas himself. Apart from the above, there are two other types of tamasha worth mentioning in the same vein. One is a traditional Prada singer and the other is a drama form called Dasavatara (10 avatars of the god Vishnu).

This form is found in Maharashtra and other parts of India such as Karnataka, Goa, and Konkan. One last note. It is the jacaranda used by most Vaishnava saint poets in Marathi literature.

Performance of the Tamasha dance:

Tamasa can be made anywhere, without the need to build a special stage such as a village square, a house courtyard, an open space, or even a production stage. As with other dance performances, the performance begins with the musicians entering. Initially, two specialists named dholkiwala and Halgiwala entered the place. Here, dholkiwala provides simple rhythms by playing the traditional loop over the dholak, while Halgi provides rhythmic and other heavy sounds that add to the traditional music of Tamasha.

Tamasha’s music uses both Raga and includes a variety of ethnic and indigenous music. Tamasha Yaman, Bhairavi, and Pilu are common in Hindustan Rags. Two popular actors announced the start of a conversation with two experts: the manjirawala actor and the tun-tuna artist who sometimes also contributes to the Lavani singing. Finally, the singer entered the arena and took his place at the front of the line. There is also Surtya, the drone or tonic doctor who is often involved in singing.

After the drumming is over, the main musicians come in and take their place in the group singing “Gana for Lord Ganesha”.Ghana follows Gavalana or Gaulaniare, which is the Marathi version of Krishnlila in Marathi literature. In this work, many moments of Lord Krishna’s life are told, sung, and played. In addition to the dance sequence, the action also enters Tamasa with many acrobatics performed by Natucni (actress), Songadya, and other characters.

Drama, slapstick, teasing, teasing, dance, and all the richness of music ends with something like Arti. In general, the decision always has a moral tone: justice must prevail, evil must vanish, truth must prevail, and lies must destroy themselves. The costumes of Tamasha actors have different names like Gammat, and Phada and these are not fixed costumes but reflect different social classes in Maharashtra.

In short, the themes dictated by the nature of theater and the strife at public gatherings such as tamasha added a new dimension to Maharashtra theatrical art. Today, Marathi theater and drama have evolved over the years into a weapon of consciousness that defies norms and often embraces the rebellious issues of humanity.

Today there is a new genderless version of Tamasha called Loknatya Theatre.

Costume of Maharashtra:

Women wear traditional bright red or green saree in Maharashtrian ‘Kachi’ style, their hair is tied in the Jewish style, covered with flowers, and many bracelets and heavy anklets perform this show. Nose pins in Maharashtra are called nath and are important ornaments worn by women.

Men also wear dhoti, kurta, and traditional hats and play musical instruments. In Maharashtra, each village has a village eating ritual celebration, during which tamasha is planned for the entire community. Today, Tamasha’s performance has been incorporated into modern text, prose, music, and sound technology, and the traditional Sardar has completely disappeared. Similarly, Tamasa both influences the movie and vice versa.

Music Instrument Used In Tamasha Folk Dance

All festivals in Maharashtra are accompanied by songs, music, and dances. A discussion of the music of Maharashtra would not be complete without a mention of her many songs and sacred verses, the Natya Sangeet. Maharashtra’s music has the same tradition as Marathi literature, but Maharashtra’s classical music originated in Gwalior.

The village of Milaj in Sangli County is known as “the home of music”. The world-famous Indian musical instrument sitar is produced in this town. Folk music is an important part of everyday life in rural Maharashtra. Folk songs like Lavani, nautanki, and Tamasha are very popular. However, many of these paintings were lost due to maintenance difficulties by the artist.

Among the holy poets, Jnandeva, Namdev, Tukaram, Jani, and Soyara should be mentioned. They believe in the fusion of bhakti (devotion) and jnana (wisdom). They teach people to worship Allah and partner with Him.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tamasha Folk Dance:

Q1: What is Tamasha Folk Dance?

A1: Tamasha Folk Dance is a traditional dance form that originates from the state of Maharashtra, India. It is a vibrant and energetic dance style often accompanied by music, singing, and storytelling, representing the essence of Maharashtra’s folk culture.

Q2: What are the key features of Tamasha Folk Dance?

A2: Tamasha Folk Dance is known for its lively and rhythmic movements, expressive gestures, and footwork. It involves the use of traditional musical instruments and encourages active audience participation, making it an interactive and engaging dance form.

Q3: What is the cultural significance of Tamasha Folk Dance?

A3: Tamasha Folk Dance holds cultural significance as it reflects the traditions, customs, and social fabric of Maharashtra. It is performed during various festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings, providing a platform for storytelling, social commentary, and community bonding.

Q4: How is Tamasha Folk Dance performed?

A4: Tamasha Folk Dance involves a group of performers who dance in synchronized patterns, often forming circles or rows. The dancers exhibit rhythmic footwork, hand movements, and facial expressions while performing to the beats of traditional folk music and songs.

Q5: What are the traditional costumes worn during Tamasha Folk Dance?

A5: The dancers typically wear colorful and traditional attire, which may include vibrant saris for women and dhotis or kurta-pajamas for men. The costumes are often adorned with traditional jewelry and accessories, adding to the visual appeal of the performance.

Q6: Can anyone learn and participate in Tamasha Folk Dance?

A6: Yes, Tamasha Folk Dance is open to anyone who has an interest in learning and participating. Many cultural institutions, academies, and workshops in Maharashtra offer training programs to teach the dance techniques, expressions, and cultural aspects of Tamasha.

Q7: Where can one witness Tamasha Folk Dance performances?

A7: Tamasha Folk Dance performances can be witnessed during various cultural festivals, fairs, and events in Maharashtra. The dance form is often showcased in traditional Tamasha theaters, cultural programs, and public gatherings, providing opportunities to experience the vibrant folk dance style.

Q8: What is the role of music in Tamasha Folk Dance?

A8: Music plays a crucial role in Tamasha Folk Dance. Traditional musical instruments such as dholki (hand drum), manjeera (hand cymbals), harmonium (keyboard instrument), and tuntuni (string instrument) accompany the dance, setting the rhythm and creating a lively atmosphere.

Q9: How does Tamasha Folk Dance contribute to the preservation of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage?

A9: Tamasha Folk Dance plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Maharashtra. By showcasing the traditional dance form, costumes, music, and storytelling, it helps pass on the rich cultural traditions and values from one generation to the next, ensuring their continuity and appreciation.