The State of Maharashtra has a rich and varied culture going back centuries.There is an abundance of folk music , songs and dance.
The main folk dances originating in Maharashtra are :-
Powada
Lezim
Koli dance
Dindi
Kala
Tamasha
Dhangari Gaja
Ghondal
Lavani
Each of the above dances have their own purpose , theme and topic, be it religious,sensual, seasonal etc.
Of these, one of the most popular, mesmerising, sensual, erotic, invigorating is Lavani.
The word Lavani ( लावणी ) literally means beauty as it is derived from the word Lavanya ( लावण्या ) meaning Grace and Beauty.
It is a song and dance performance with a female dancer or dancers as the main lead with male supporting dancers who are called Nat ( नट ) or kinnars.
The songs are written by males.
The dance has a very powerful and vigorous rhythm with topics ranging from religious, devotional , sexual, sensual , erotic , social & political satire with a mix of dance and double meaning dialogues between the lead and her back up troupe.
Though its history goes back to the 14 th century , it however gained popularity and came into prominence due to the patronage of the ruling Brahman Peshwas of Pune in the 16 th century.
Previously it was localised to the Dhangars / Shepherd community in rural regions of Sholapur, Maharashtra.
With time it spread to much of Maharashtra, South Madhya Pradesh and North Karnataka.
It started as a form of tales of nature and devotion to the deity Biruba by the Dhangars and went on to encompass a myriad of themes , though it's base being a romantic,sexually explicit, erotic , titillating performance for a predominantly male audience.
In the olden days it was performed mostly for the Maratha warriors / soldiers engaged in the many wars of those times.
With the patronage of the ruling class , affluent Peshwas, it became more embedded in the Maratha society and culture.
The common themes would be romantic yearning of a wife / woman separated from her husband / lover due to the wars. She would long for his love and physical intimacy. It would be in the form of erotic songs and dialogue.
Musical instruments used are the dholak, manjeera, tuntuni, Daf, Harmonium and the ghungroos tied up to the dancer's ankles.
The female dancers wear a nine yard sari called the Nauvari, in the khasta style of draping.
It is much like a dhoti as compared to the regular sari draping as it allows for more freedom in movement.
The leading ladies are beautifully made up with the Navari, a judaa or Ambada ( Hair Bun ) decorated with jewels and gajra, a big round red Bindi , nath, kamarpatta, Thushi ( necklaces ) , Bormaal, Pohe Haar, heavy jhumkas, bangles, and make-up.
….. Continued
