The Beat of Bappa

First comes the beat. Then comes Bappa. Across Hyderabad, dhols and tashas are getting ready to announce Ganesh Chaturthi with a sound that is impossible to ignore. Behind the thunder are passionate pathaks, devoted performers and a tradition that has travelled from Maharashtra to Hyderabad — gathering people across generations, professions and languages.

MITRAANGAN: WHERE FRIENDSHIP FINDS ITS RHYTHM

Mitraangan, a Marathi community organisation that became active through social media, has grown into a vibrant community of nearly 18,000 members in Hyderabad. Its name combines Mitra, meaning friendship, and Aangan, a courtyard — a place where people come together.

“True to its name, Mitraangan has always been about bringing people together,” says founder Ambarish Lahankar. “We wanted to create a space where people could celebrate Marathi traditions and culture, but also build friendships and participate in the larger cultural life of Hyderabad. Over the years, that simple idea of friendship and togetherness has grown into a much bigger community.” The Mitraangan Dhol Tasha Pathak was founded by Lahankar on August 15, 2015. What began with just two dhols has grown into nearly 60 dhols, 12 tashas and dhwaj, the traditional flag ensemble.

THE POWER BEHIND THE BEAT

Dhol-tasha combines the deep, resonant sound of the large leather dhol with the sharp, energetic rhythm of the smaller tasha. But for those who play it, the sound represents far more than percussion. “The beauty of dhol-tasha is that every individual beat becomes part of something much larger,” says Sumit Khatavkar, director and founder member of Mitraangan Dhol Tasha Pathak.

“It teaches you discipline, teamwork, patience and synchronisation. Nobody can create the complete sound alone. You have to listen to the person beside you, follow the rhythm and understand your role within the Pathak. That is what makes this tradition so powerful.”

Khatavkar guides the Pathak’s training along with lead dhol instructor Tushar Zade and the administrative team. Zade knows that the thunder heard during a procession is built quietly, over weeks of practice.

“People hear the dhol for a few minutes during a procession, but they do not always see the preparation behind it,” says Zade. “There are weeks of practice and every vadak has to work on rhythm, stamina, coordination and discipline. You may come from a completely different profession, but once you pick up the dhol, you have to become part of the same rhythm.”

TRADITION THAT TRAVELLED

Dhol-tasha is deeply associated with Maharashtra’s cultural and martial heritage and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Percussion formed part of Maratha ceremonial before becoming closely associated with the public Ganesh Utsav movement in Pune.

HYDERABAD’S CULTURAL BRIDGE

Mitraangan has worked to establish the art form in Hyderabad with pride. In 11 years, Mitraangan says it has performed at nearly 1,000 events, including twice in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, besides performances before the Governor and Chief Minister of Telangana.

“For us, the greatest achievement is seeing people from different communities come together for the same tradition. When a Maharashtrian cultural form is embraced beyond linguistic boundaries, it becomes something much bigger — it becomes Hyderabad’s culture too,” says Lahankar.

KHAIRATABAD CONNECTION

Since 2017, Mitraangan has had the honour of welcoming Khairatabad Ganesh with traditional dhol-tasha on the first day of Ganesh Utsav.

“To stand before Khairatabad Ganesh and welcome Bappa with the dhol-tasha is an emotional experience. After all the practice, that moment brings everything together. You realise why you have been doing it all along,” says Khatavkar. This year, nearly 80 members — women and men from varied professions — are expected to participate.

NAAD: WHERE DEVOTION MEETS the DRUM

Mitraangan is not the only group carrying the tradition forward. Ajay Potdar, president of NAAD Dhol Tasha Pathak, says the group began in 2022 and has since grown into a passionate musical family.

“Dhol-tasha is the heartbeat of Ganesh celebrations,” says Potdar. “Its powerful beats bring devotion. Every vadak balances rehearsals with personal and professional responsibilities.”

For NAAD, the meaning goes deeper. Joint secretary Anagha Kambate and vice-president Manoj Petkar describe dhol-tasha as a collective expression of seva, devotion and tradition.

“We believe the rhythm represents harmony. Our dhwajdharis are devotees of Suryanarayana and Angi Devata, our dhol vadaks are devotees of Lord Ganesha and our tasha vadaks are devotees of Lord Shiva.” Potdar says the wait for Ganesh Utsav is an annual emotional high. “We wait the whole year for these 11 days. This is our seva. When those beats begin, we are offering our devotion.”

And the younger generation is listening too. “It is wonderful to see youngsters connecting with our tradition,” Potdar adds. “When the younger generation picks up the dhol, our culture beats stronger and lives longer.”

KEEPING THE BEAT ALIVE

Mitraangan’s annual training programme generally begins in the second week of May. From two dhols in 2015 to powerful ensembles across Hyderabad, the journey is about heritage, community, discipline and devotion. This Ganesh Chaturthi, Hyderabad will hear that message loud and clear — one powerful beat at a time!

WOMEN BEHIND THUNDER

WHEN TRADITION FINDS A YOUNGER BEAT: “Dhol-tasha is a beautiful way for youngsters to connect with our culture while also having fun with friends and the community. The powerful rhythm, the energy of performing together and the feeling of being part of a team make it a truly special experience. I think more youngsters are getting attracted to it because it allows us to celebrate our traditions in a way that feels exciting, meaningful and alive.” — Shrija Sulibhavi Vadak, NAAD Dhol Tasha Pathak

EVERY BEAT BRINGS US TOGETHER: “Dhol Tasha is a beautiful blend of energy, tradition, and unity. I enjoy every beat, the powerful rhythm, the excitement of performing together, and the amazing feeling of being part of the team.” — Akshara Vishal Phadke, Student, Dhol Instructor

WHERE MY HEART FINDS ITS RHYTHM: “Being a part of Mitraangan Dhol Tasha Pathak isn't just about playing an instrument; beating the dhol is where my heart finds its true rhythm, energy and ultimate joy.” — Nikita Samatkar, Assistant Manager, Ernst & Young

A FEELING I CARRY: “Dhol tasha is not just something I play; it's a feeling I carry - the rhythm, the people, the culture and the memories that make me feel truly alive.” — Rhea Talmuk, Student

HEARD BY THE EARS, FELT BY THE SOUL: “Some moments are heard by the ears but felt by the soul. With every beat, there is a little more love for Bappa.” — Dr Shraddha Kodilkar, Consultant Sports Physiotherapist