music
Melodious Instruments
That Blows
The culture of the state is well preserved by its subjects and
every festival witnesses the musical extravaganza. The attractive women dancing
and singing with the background music of Dolki (drum), Manjeera (cymbals)
Tuntuni (a single string instrument) Daf ( a tambourine like instrument with a
single leather surface) and harmonium. The musical beats that pump the
adrenaline of the spectators as well is supported by the ankle bells
(ghungroo). With every spin these bells make a sound with the dynamic tranquilizing
power. The festivals are the best season when these dances are performed for
the entertainment as well as appeasing the gods to shower blessings.
Maharashtra is a home to number of musical stalwarts famous all over India
including Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Kishori Amonkar, Bal Gandharvi and Lata
Mangeshkar. Plan a tour and get engrossed to the ever refreshing music of
Maharashtra and it will be an immortal experience.
The Legendary Artists
Right from the very early times Maharashtra has produced the great
musicians and dancers who nurtured the musical tradition of the state. One of
them was Sharang dev, who wrote the 'Sangitratnakara' India's greatest treasure
of classical music in 13th century. Such old is the history and even today the
field of music is growing in this state with the Bollywood. The famous
musicians like Naushad is also the product of this film industry. Plan a trip
to the state and watch the states renowned musicians performing during its
festivals.
| art
Arts and Crafts of Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a rich cultural heritage, which is an amalgamation of different
cultures and traditions. The state exudes a vibrant spirit which never dies.
This spirit is visible in its traditional arts and crafts. The cave paintings
at Ajanta, Warli paintings and handicrafts of Maharashtra are clear evidences
of the state's cultural legacy. These beyond comparison arts and crafts of
Maharashtra are enticing and exotic.
¤ Crafts
Sawantwadi Crafts
Sawantwadi is famous for the craft of lacquer ware, which was introduced here
around the end of the 17th century. Various schools teaching this craft were
started in Sawantwadi during the 18th and the 19th centuries. Many of the
artisans were moved from nearby Goa. The Sawantwadi lacquer ware is now
available in a wide range of products and concentrates on traditional hand
painted and lacquered furniture and light fittings.
Bidri Works
Bidri ware is an ancient craft of Aurangabad, which uses zinc and copper as raw
material. It also employs the intricate workmanship of pure silver, either
brocaded, overlaid or inlaid on the metal surface. In the beginning, Bidri ware
items were used as hookahs or paan daans, but now they are more often sold as
souvenirs.
Leather Works
The hand made leather sandals or chappals of Kolhapur are famous all over the
world. They are popular for their simple styles and comfort. The cost of the
these sandals and chappals may differ depending upon the quality of leather and
designs used. They are definitely worth buying.
Weaving
Maharashtra is also known for its strong textile history. There are different
types of saris or materials available belonging to a particular area or region
of the state, such as Kolhapur, Pune and Paithan, Aurangabad.
Mashru and Himru
Aurangabad is famous for Mashru and Himru fabrics. These two types of fabrics
are made of cotton and silk having a shine like satin. Himru shawls are less
expensive and are made by using both silk and cotton threads. These threads
help in producing beautiful multi-colored designs on these shawls. The actual
ornamental design is formed on the principle of extra weft figuring. The extra
silk weft left loose makes the Himru shawl soft, which almost feels like silk.
Weavers were brought to Aurangabad from Banaras and Ahmedabad by Mohamed-bin-Tughlak
and thus the Himru industry started.
Paithani Saris
The Paithani Saris are being woven from the past 2000 years old. In the making
of a Paithani sari pure silk is used along with the zari or gold threads drawn
from pure gold. It takes almost six months to one and a half years to weave an
intricately brocaded Paithani sari.
Narayan Peth
The Narayan Peth sari is a traditional Maharashtrian sari, belonging to
Sholapur. This is a beautifully woven sari in silk having contrast zari border,
generally of 'rudraksha' motifs.
¤ Paintings
Ajanta Paintings
The paintings in Ajanta Caves are outstandingly beautiful, they belong to the
diffused art style of China & Japan. The Ajanta paintings were painted by
the Buddhist Monks who turned the stone walls into picture books of Buddha's
life & teachings. These Buddhist artists have portrayed the costumes,
ornaments & styles of the court life of their times.
Warli Paintings
The Warlis style of paintings belong to the tribal people who live in the Thane
district, situated in north of Mumbai. These paintings are a part of their
tradition and are painted by the women folk during wedding rituals, using rice
paste and straw. After the painting is complete it is smeared on the walls of
their huts. Now, these paintings are also done on paper and is available almost
everywhere in India. The Warli paintings are made on religious themes. They are
painted in white on an austere brown surface decorated with occasional dots in
red and yellow. Men, animals and trees form a loose, rhythmic pattern across
the entire sheet of a Warli painting.
| dance
Maharashtra has given birth to some of the most rhythmic dances,
watching a live performance is a treat for your eyes. Having the distinct style
of dancing the people fancy to watch the performance of the Dhangari Gaja
performed by Dangars or shepherds and Koli dance performed by the fishermen
community. Both the shepherds and the fishermen community have the distinct
features and their dance is lively as well. Plan a tour to Maharashtra and
cherish the fervor of the dances which you cannot experience beyond this state.
The Magic of Lavani
Dance
The most famous dance form of Maharashtra is Lavani. Originated
from the word 'lavanya' meaning beauty the dance is performed by the beautiful
women in their traditional sari nauveri and is always accompanied by the songs
relating to the social awareness, politics, religion, romance. These dancers
swirl with the enchanting beats of the 'Dholak' a drum like musical instrument.
Lavani dance was performed even at the times of Marathas to entertain and
rejuvenate the spirit of tired soldiers at the time of war. The credit of its
popularity goes to the famous Marathi poets like Honaji Bala, Ramjoshi,
Prabhakar etc. The Marathi ballads are also famous in the state, the ballads
are called Povadas and utters the praises for the respected Marathi ruler
Shivaji Maharaj. Don't miss the popular form of the folk theater Tamasha
(ballad) developed in 16th century in the state where you can see the
performances along with melodious romantic Lavani songs. Watch these lifetime
performances in the land of Marathas that will sprawl out you to indulge in
this saga of dancing and the music that energizes and bringing life to weary
souls |
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