Dhangari Gaja
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A dance of the Dhangar shepherd community of Maharashtra, performed by men in circles to honour their deity and celebrate the pastoral life.
FolkWhere: Solapur, Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts, MaharashtraOccasion: Village fairs and festivals of the deity Biroba and other community occasions
| Performed by | Men of the Dhangar (shepherd) community |
|---|---|
| Costume | White dhoti, angarkha or kurta, a colourful pheta (turban) and often a coloured handkerchief held in the hand |
| Music and instruments | Large dhol drums, with songs (ovi) about shepherd life and the deity |
How it is performed
- Dancers gather in a circle around the drummers.
- They move round in step to the drum, swinging their handkerchiefs above their heads.
- The pace quickens and dancers whirl and jump, with some lifting others onto their shoulders.
- Songs between the dances tell of grazing flocks and the blessings of the deity.
Significance
The dance keeps alive the identity and faith of Maharashtra's shepherd community, whose seasonal migrations with sheep and goats are part of rural life on the Deccan plateau.
Sources