Dhol tasha group from Sangli performs in the procession

PUNE: Around 50 members of Mahameru - a ‘Dhol Tasha’ troupe of Sangli, who were unable to play dhol tasha in Sangli due to the floods, participated in the procession of Manacha (revered) Ganpati of Kasba Peth procession with ‘Rudragarjana’ dhol tasha pathak here in the city. This three-year-old pathak considered it as a lifetime opportunity for the group.

“We practised till July but due to floods in Sangli, we were unable to continue with the practice. This year’s flood was the worst ever flood, as almost 70 per cent of Sangli was affected due to flood. There were around five to eight feet of water at Sangli High School where we used to practice and our dhols were also damaged,” said Mahameru President Abhishek Patil who was playing dhol tasha during the Kasba Ganpati procession.

He also told that there were no grand celebration in Sangli. He said, “A lot of Ganesh idols were damaged and there was hardly any celebration this year. We were extremely dissapointed as there was no chance for us to play dhol tasha.”

Patil who played dhol tasha with ‘Rudragarjana’ this year, felt it was one of the best opportunities for them to be part of Pune’s Ganpati procession. He said, “We knew Rudragarjana since 2013 when they came the first time to Kolhapur to play dhol tasha at Mahalaxmi temple. The celebration in Pune was always extraordinary as we used to come every year to see it. However, the circumstances were unfortunate but it was a great opportunity for us to play dhol tasha in the procession. It was like a dream coming true and playing with Rudragarjana was even bigger as they have been our mentors.”

Dhananjay Gavali, another member of Mahameru who was part of the procession, considered it as a lifetime opportunity. He said, “The situation in Sangli due to the flood was extremely bad. Even after the floods, there was hardly any celebration there and seeing the situation, we also decided not to play dhol tasha this year. It was very disappointing for us but, when Rudragarjana asked us to be a part of the procession, we joined them.”

He further said, “We missed the celebration in Sangli but being part of Ganpati procession was an extraordinary experience. The celebration in this city is legendary and playing dhol tasha in this was a lifetime opportunity for us.”