Nagpur: The DJ ban may have sparked protests across Maharashtra, but for dhol-tasha pathaks, it has turned into the busiest festive season in years. With Ganesh mandals scrambling for alternatives, traditional percussion groups across the city say bookings have shot up, calendars are packed for all 10 days of the festival, and enquiries continue to pour in.Pathaks say what was once considered a backup to DJs is finally taking centre stage. “Our entire 10-day schedule is full. We have 16 performances lined up for this Ganeshotsav and are playing literally every day. Last year we had around eight to 10 performances. This year, demand has increased drastically because people don’t have DJs as an option,” said Kishor Dikondawar, founder of Shivpratap Dhol Tasha Pathak, which has been performing in the city since 2011.Yet, performers insist they do not want to be seen merely as an alternative. “Dhol-tasha should be given the first preference, not treated as the second option after DJs,” said Rahul Uke of Wardha-based Daivat Dhol Tasha Pathak, who also comes to the city frequently to perform. He said traditional percussion has been part of Maharashtra’s cultural celebrations for centuries and offers a more disciplined, cultural atmosphere during Ganesh processions.“Youngsters are getting attracted towards dhol-tasha. It looks grand, it is rooted in our culture, and it brings people together without the nuisance often associated with DJs,” Uke said, adding that many pathaks have received separate bookings for Ganesh arrival and immersion processions this year compared to the previous year.The growing preference for traditional beats has also found political backing. Former mayor and MLC Sandip Joshi, who participated in the recent silent march supporting the DJ ban, told TOI that Ganesh festivals flourished long before DJs became common. “Dhol-tasha pathaks have always been an integral part of Ganeshotsav. Even before DJs came, we celebrated with the same enthusiasm and devotion,” he said.Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare told TOI, “It is a matter of great happiness that local dhol-tasha pathaks are receiving more orders this year and generating higher revenues. As far as DJs are concerned, something needs to be done for those who are losing their employment because of the restrictions. But as far as the dhol-tasha pathaks are concerned, this is certainly a positive development.”
