Maharashtra, situated in the Western part of India displays rich cultural heritage and traditions. Folk dances form a part of the culture and traditions of the state. These dances originated from the rural areas and as the state celebrates a number of religious festivals, several folk dances of Maharashtra are performed during festivities. These dance forms offer a glimpse of the rich culture and tradition of the state. There are a wide array of folk dances of the state that are performed in different parts as a symbol of happiness and joy. Kala and Dindi are the popular religious folk dances of the state, wherein, Kala dance describes the cheerful mood of Lord Krishna and a pot is used in performance of this dance, which denotes fertility. The later is performed especially on the day of Ekadashi of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar and illustrates the happy mood of Lord Krishna. Besides these two dance forms, there are other folk dances of Maharashtra, which are quite popular. Some of these dances of Maharashtra are listed below. Lavani Lavani is a popular dance form of Maharashtra, which is performed by beautiful women for men. The word Lavani has been derived from Lavanya, which means beauty. This dance form is a striking blend of traditional song and dance and ‘Dholak’ is the main instrument used in the performance of it. During the 18[SUP]th[/SUP] and 19[SUP]th[/SUP] century, Lavani was performed for the entertainment of the soldiers. However, during the rule of Peshwai Dynasty, this dance form gained immense popularity by giving it royal recognition. But, this dance form was given new dimension by some of the renowned Marathi poets such as Honaji Bala, Ramjoshi and Prabhakar. This beautiful dance form is of two types, namely Nirguni Lavani and Shringari Lavani. Nirguni Lavani includes philosophy and the later has the shades to erocity and is popular in Madhya Pradesh. According to many intellectual people of the society, this dance form originated in the temples, which was a part of worship of Gods. Lavani is one of the most graceful folk dances of India and depicts different subject matters, which comprise society, religion, politics, romance, etc. Dancers are dressed in bright colored sarees and are adorned with heavy jewelry. Povadas A type of Ballad dance, Povadas is known for its typical music and style. This dance form illustrates the life and work of the brave Marathi ruler Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is in his honor that these ballads or Povadas are sung, accompanied with rhythmic movements on the sound of small drum, cymbal, tambourine and a stringed instrument known as tuntune. Having a likeness to ballads, this narrative musical performance is usually based on important historical events in order to invoke devotional, heroic and other such feelings in people or audiences. Because the popularity of this folk dance of Maharashtra is rising with people, social and political matters have also become a part of these performances. Today, Povadas not only encompasses historical incidents, but also social and political events. Tuntune, cymbals, drum and tambourine are the different instruments used in the performance. This ballad is performed by men and is dressed in traditional style turban, loose upper garment paired with salwar and a colorful waistband tied with side knots. Koli Koli, a popular dance form of the state, which is performed by the fisherman community named Koli. The community is renowned for their distinctive identity, which is very well reflected in their dance form. Koli is one of the liveliest dances of the region, which describes the lifestyle and their occupation. This particular dance is performed by both men and women and the most unique characteristic of this dance form is the depiction of catching fish, simulation of rowing boats and the movement of the waves. This dance form varies from region to region but the mood and theme remains the same for every region that enlivens the ambience. Dhangari Gaja One of the most vibrant folk dances of Maharashtra, Dhangari Gaja is a dance form of Sholapur district. This dance form is performed mainly by shepherds as well as cowherds, buffalo keepers, and blanket weavers. Dhangars refer to shepherds and men who embark on husbandry as their occupation and Dhangari Gaja dance is performed to pay tribute to their God. This dance form is performed by men displaying great enthusiasm on the rhythm of drums. Traditional attire that includes bright colored handkerchief, angarakha, dhoti and pheta are worn while performing this dance form. This vibrant dance form of the state is performed to celebrate the happiness of returning home of the cowherds, shepherds, blanket weavers and buffalo keepers. Tamasha A popular form of Marathi theatre, Tamasha is an exclusive amalgamation of music, comedy and eroticism. The word Tamasha is a Persian word, which means fun or play. This art form originated during the 16[SUP]th[/SUP] century as a source of entertainment for the Mughal soldiers who were positioned in the Deccan Plateau. However, during the later part of Maratha rule, this art form gained distinction. Dholkibari and Sangitbari are the two types of Tamasha. The former one has three main characters i.e. Songadya, the clown, Shahir, the poet-singer and Nachi the dancer, besides several other performers. In Sangitbari Tamasha, music is used much more in comparison to drama. Having resemblance with Nautanki and Swang in northern India, Tamasha is a sardonic theatre that makes humorous representation of the established ideologies of social power.
