- By Rajesh Khare

Worcester, MA - On November 3, 2024, history was made at the Diwali celebration co-organized by the Worcester Art Museum and the India Society of Worcester (ISW). For the first time in the United States, an all-women Dhol Tasha group from the ISW Symphony performed, adding a powerful new dimension to the traditional art form. Known for its high-energy beats and colorful displays, the performance captivated an enthusiastic audience, and many attendees joined in to dance.

The ISW Symphony team, dedicated to preserving and promoting the folk music of India, took its commitment to a new level by forming an all-women Dhol Tasha team. For many, it was a statement of unity and empowerment.

“For the past two years, we’ve dreamed of forming an all-women Dhol Tasha team, believing deeply in women’s power to make this vision a reality,” said Sarita Deshpande, chair of the ISW Symphony initiative. “With an incredible mix of little girls, young women, and mothers, the performance truly celebrated strength and unity. I proudly say, ‘Her Rhythm, Her Voice! Jai Ho!’”

Anjali Kinhikar, who had previously performed with Lezim but took on the Dhol for the first time, was thrilled by the experience. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” she said, highlighting the dedication and collaboration that made the performance possible.

Sonia Gera, a performer skilled in both Dhol and Tasha, captured the group’s spirit with her words: “एकच नशा, ढोल ताशा!” ("Only one passion, Dhol Tasha!") - reflecting the excitement and pride felt by the team.

Prasanna Pawar, one of the Dhol leads, expressed about her connection to the tradition: “Dhol Tasha Lezim is a cherished tradition from Maharashtra, and playing the Dhol has long been on my personal bucket list. I finally had the chance to pursue this passion here in the United States, and it has since become a part of my identity. After each performance, it feels phenomenal. This was our first performance as an all-women’s Dhol Tasha team - a truly unforgettable experience.”

The Worcester Art Museum’s Diwali event, co-hosted with ISW, offered the perfect setting for this historic debut, drawing about 1400 of attendees eager to experience Indian art, dance, and culture. The success of the all-women Dhol Tasha group underscored ISW’s contributions to the cultural landscape of New England.

Rajesh Khare, one of the organizers of the ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim, emphasized the group’s inclusive approach. “Our Dhol Tasha Lezim group welcomes everyone - men, women, all ages, and people from diverse backgrounds,” he shared. “We believe in building a community where all are welcome to join in celebrating and preserving this rich cultural tradition.”

This pioneering all-women performance will likely inspire similar groups across the nation, offering a new chapter in the legacy of Dhol Tasha.

Tasha: Sarita Deshpande, Sonia Gera, Veena Dindore

Dhol: Aishwarya Mungarwadi, Anjali Kinhikar, Arya Mulay, Manjiri Patil, Meenakshi Vaze, Prasanna Pawar, Shatatara Lathkar, Yogini Lathkar

Zhanj: Priya Vaidya, Vishakha Khamankar

Tol: Sakshi Gurao

Backstage Support: Abhijit Kaulgud, Ashok Kale, Rajesh Khare, Ranjit Mulay, Sanket Gurao