Lavani
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Maharashtra's best-known folk dance: fast, powerful songs and dance to the beat of the dholki, performed by women in nine-yard sarees.
FolkWhere: MaharashtraOccasion: Tamasha shows, village fairs, festivals and stage performances
| Performed by | Mainly women dancers, with male musicians |
|---|---|
| Costume | Nine-yard nauvari saree worn in the kashta style, heavy jewellery, a large bindi and ghungroo (ankle bells) |
| Music and instruments | Dholki (two-headed drum), tuntune (one-stringed instrument), manjira (cymbals) and harmonium |
How it is performed
- The dancer enters with a quick, rhythmic step as the dholki player sets a fast beat.
- She sings or lip-syncs the lavani song while dancing, often teasing or addressing the audience directly.
- Fast footwork with the ghungroo is mixed with expressive glances, hand gestures and turns.
- The tempo rises towards the end, ending on a strong beat from the dholki.
Significance
Lavani grew popular in the time of the Peshwas and is the heart of Tamasha folk theatre. There are two main forms: phadachi lavani, performed in public on stage, and baithakichi lavani, sung seated for a smaller audience. Its songs speak of love, society and politics.