DANCE FORMS OF MAHARASHTRA

Contents

·         Introduction

·         Vasudev

·         Bharuds

·         Powadas

·         Lavni

Introduction

Maharashtra has a very lively and vibrant history of dance, song, music and theatre. The most popular dance forms of Maharashtra are briefly described as follows.

Vasudev

It is a dance form performed by people, who are believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The dancers sport a headgear made with plumes of peacock feathers. The Vasudev Geets are sung along with delicate and whirling dance steps, which narrates the anecdotes from the life of Lord Krishna. The performers perform in exchange for request of alms. Night long performances are done on the occasions of child births etc., and they are known as Gondhals.  

Bharuds

Bharuds are written musical compositions which are narrated and performed by the rustic villagers.

Powadas

Powadas are also crooned in a similar fashion, which are essentially inspiring ballads.

Lavni

Lavni is basically a form of slapstick tamasha, which is often referred to as the Queen of Marathi folk music and dance. It is one of the most popular folk forms of Maharashtra and is exclusively performed by women. Alongside, the Maratha folk theatre has also made rapid strides in terms of a mode of communication with the audience.  

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.