Maharashtra Folk Dances

[1]- Lavani Dance Form:

Origin:
Lavani (Marathi: लावणी) is a genre of music popular in Maharashtra, India.
According to a Marathi culture, the word Lavani is derived from the word 'Lavanya' which
means 'Beauty'.

Lavani dance originated from Maharashtra in 18th and 19th century. Lavani dancers were
patronised by Maratha Lords and Kings.
Lavani dance was generally performed by Dhangars (Shepherd) living in the Solapur,
Maharashtra. This song Dance form is also called Shepherd Dance in Maharashtra.

Dress Up:
In Maharashtra and southern Madhya Pradesh, it is performed by the female performers
wearing घुंघरू (Ghunagharu/Anklet/Paijeb/Paizeb) and 9-yard-long sarees.
They form a bun (juda in Hindi or ambada in marathi) with their hair. They wear heavy
jewellery that includes Thushi means necklace, Bormaal, Pohehaar, Zhumka means earrings,
Ghungru, kamarpatta (a belt at the waist), bangles, Sindoor etc.

They usually put a large bindi of dark red colour on their forehead. The sari they wear is
called nauvari. The sari is wrapped and is more comfortable as compared to other sari types.

Method to Perform:
Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particularly performed to the
beats of Dholki, a percussion instrument (Beating/Striking instruments).
The songs are sung in a quick tempo.

Lavani is noted for its powerful rhythm. Lavani has contributed substantially to the
development of Marathi folk theatre.
Now I am going to dance perform on the Pinga song from Bajirao Mastani Movie and which
dance song is based on the Lavani Dance form.

Reference:
https://yehaindia.com/lavani-the-most-popular-folk-dance-form-of-maharashtra/
https://cultureandheritage.org/2023/01/lavani-the-most-popular-folk-dance-of-
maharashtra.html

[2]- KOLI DANCE FORM:

Koli Dance is a popular folk dance of the Maharashtra and Goa states of India.
It was created by Kolis of Mumbai. The Koli Dance reflects the rhythm of the sea waves and
all of the festivals of Kolis always celebrate with Koli dance.

Koli is one of the most popular dance forms of Maharashtra that derives its name from the
fisher folk of Maharashtra - Kolis. These fishermen are famous for their distinct identity and
 Maharashtra Folk Dances
lively dances. Their dances consist of elements from their occupation that is fishing. The
dance incorporates elements that this community is most familiar with - sea and fishing.

The dance is performed by both men and women divided into two groups, where fishermen
stand in two rows holding oars in their hands. The dancers move in unison, portraying the
movement of the rowing of a boat.

Fisher women are in the opposite rows with their arms linked and advancing towards men
folk. This dance form is performed by both men and women, who are divided in groups of
two. These fishermen portray the movement of the rowing of a boat in this dance form. The
dancers also portray the movements of waves and the casting of nets to catch the fish.

Notable Events

In 1961 on Republic day of India, Kolis of Maharashtra (Maharashtra was a newly formed state in 1960)
performed the Koli Dance in Delhi as Republic Day Parade. Kolis even got Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to
dance with them, a Koli cap on Nehru's head.[4]

US President Barack Obama enjoying Koli dance with students during Diwali (Mumbai, 2010)In November

2010, the President of America, Barack Obama with his wife Michelle Obama enjoyed the Koli dance and song
'Mi Hai Koli' with school students at Diwali festival.[5][6]