DANCE
Maharashtra has a lively tradition of song, dance, music and theatre. Vasudev,
a dance form, is performed by people believed to be incarnation of Lord
Krishna. Bedecked in the distinctive headgear of peacock feathers, performers
sing Vasudev geets and with nimble, delicate dance steps, whirl around
presenting anecdotes from Lord Krishna's life in exchange for alms. Soothing,
melodious notes float through the villages, particularly near Jalgaon and Dhule.
On auspicious occasions like the birth of a child, dancers might hold night-
long performances called gondhals. Elsewhere, rustic
actors could be narrating
lively stories through the bharud, an enactment of the written musical
compositions of poet- saints, and singers could be crooning powadas, inspiring
ballads. The lavni performed by women, is sometimes called the queen of Marathi
folk music and dance. It is incorporated in slapstik tamasha, and is perhaps one
of the most popular folk forms. Marathi theatre itself has evolved over the
years, and is now a mature form of communication which challenges norms and
often embraces rebellious themes.
CRAFTS
Maharashtrian jewelers are busy at work, creating ornaments for villagers,
dancers, business women and brides. Remains of old intricately carved woodwork
can still be seen in palaces of yesterday, and in tiny shops in the bylanes of
Nashik metal workers style utensils and vessels following age-old traditions.
Paithan, which was once an important seat of learning, is famous for its
beautiful silk saris which sport intricate gold borders. In Aurangabad, families
weaves silk-like himru shawls and make silver bidri ware.
 Chawk, the sacred pictograph of the Warlis was traditionally painted by women
during wedding ceremonies. The technique involves the use of rice paste and
straw which is smeared on the mud walls of their simple dwellings. The central
figure here is of Palghat, the goddess of trees and plants, who symbolises
creative energy. Today, young men have taken to painting their own experiences,
using the typically decorative Warli motifs on paper.
|
