Dhangari Gaja is reckoned among the vibrant traditional folk dances of Maharashtra. This exquisite form of dance belongs to the shepherds, cowherds, buffalo keepers, and blanket weavers of Sholapur district, Maharashtra. Shepherds and men who undertake husbandry are referred to as Dhangars in the local dialect.

The word “Dhangar” is obtained from another word "Dhenu" meaning cow. These people make their living by raising goats and sheep in natural surroundings. Since most of their time is spent amidst the lap of nature, they get inspired by its beauty and compose poetry called ovi, which reflects their admiration for nature’s bounty. However, ovi consists of couplets and contains stories about the birth of their god "Biruba" and other incidents. Clad in traditional Marathi style Dhoti, Pheta, Angarakha and handkerchiefs, the men perform this dance in-group to the rhythmic beats of the drums.

According to popular belief, Dhangars perform Dhangari Gaja dance to pay tribute to their God. This dance form is performed once in a year, marking the return of shepherds to their home. Depicting the mood and emotion of enjoyment and happiness, this form of art is performed with family members and near and dear ones. Everyone (particularly men) takes part in this dance to seek holy blessings as well as to celebrate homecoming.

History of Dhangari Gaja

This art form is common among the shepherd community of Sholapur district. The cowherds, buffalo keepers, weavers, and sheep and goat keepers have to stay away from their families for a long time because of the nature of their occupation. During work, they spend most of their time close to nature. Being in the beautiful surroundings of nature and drawing inspiration from its grandeur, they write poems in the form of couplets. Their poetry is called ovi which along with representing their love for nature also unfolds their dedication towards God Biruba. When these shepherds return home, they celebrate their time with family and loved ones performing Dhangari Gaja dance on the beats of drums accompanied with the recitation of their poems. Through this dance, they also ask for blessings from their God.

Dhangari Gaja Costumes

This traditional form of dancing is performed by men. Dancers wear Dhoti, Pheta, bright handkerchiefs and Angarakha during their performance. Attired in Marathi dresses, these men or more specifically, the shepherds recite poems (which tell fantastic stories about nature or their God and other things) and dance to the musical tunes of drums.

Performances

The main theme of Dhangari Gaja dance performance is celebration, happiness, joy of coming home to loved ones and honoring the God and seeking his blessings. And this mood is emphasized by swaying to the pulsating sound of the drums and the singing of poems. All men form a group and dance around the drum players on the rhythmic tunes, exhibiting boundless enthusiasm.