Pune: World Record Attempt with 50,000 Dhangari Drums on Ahilyadevi Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary
Pune, 16th April 2025: To mark the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, a grand celebration is being planned with a world record attempt involving 50,000 traditional Dhangari drums. The event, titled Dhangari Naad, is part of the Punyashlok 300 program organized by the Shivmalhar Kranti Organization.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference in Pune on Wednesday, BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar said, “Ahilyadevi Holkar’s legacy is a source of pride, and to raise awareness about her contributions to society, we are organizing a historic event. The Dhangar community’s cultural identity is deeply tied to the Dhangari drum, and 50,000 of these will be played simultaneously to set a Guinness World Record.”
The event is scheduled for the second week of May at the Race Course Ground in Pune.
Padalkar further added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been invited as the chief guest. Other invitees include Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
However, he clarified that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will not be invited, stating the event is centered around the Dhangar community and is not politically motivated.
On MPSC Aspirants’ Protest:
Responding to the ongoing protest by MPSC aspirants, Padalkar said the concerns raised by the students are valid and deserve serious attention. He assured that he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister if students present their grievances directly and emphasized the importance of fair competitive exam practices.
