Dhol Tasha Lezim Dazzles Crowds at the Boston Celtics NBA Pregame Show in USA

Pune, 21st December 2024: On December 12, 2024, the rhythmic beats of Dhol Tasha Lezim reverberated through Boston’s TD Garden as the ISW Symphony team delivered a captivating performance during the pregame show of the NBA matchup between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons. Representing the India Society of Worcester (ISW), this spirited group of volunteers proudly highlighted Maharashtra’s cultural heritage on a prestigious global stage, captivating thousands of spectators.

Over the years, ISW has brought Indian culture to Celtics spectators through diverse activities, including singing the American National Anthem and presenting Indian music and dance performances. Ragini Seth, an ISW volunteer, reflected on its origins of this collaboration: “It began with a simple dance to ‘Jai Ho’ on the parquet floor. Today, ISW’s presence at Celtics games showcases Indian culture in many creative ways. Watching the Dhol Tasha team perform this year is a testament to the legacy we’ve built.”

For Sarita Deshpande, Chair of the ISW Symphony initiative, performing at TD Garden was a deeply emotional experience. “Standing on the Celtics court and presenting our rhythms to such a large and diverse audience was a proud moment for all of us. It truly felt like a celebration of our culture,” she said.
Aishwarya Mungarwadi, a new member of the Dhol team, expressed her thrill after the performance:. “I never imagined playing Dhol at an NBA game. The atmosphere was electrifying, and the experience was unforgettable,” she said.

Akshay Rajhans, a veteran Dhol player, poetically described the cultural fusion: “Let us celebrate this vibrant blend of dance and music, where the ISW Symphony’s performance shines, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.”

Rajesh Khare, one of the organizers of the team, added, “It was an amazing experience to bring the tradition of Dhol Tasha Lezim to an international audience. The energy in the arena was incredible.”

The ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim team continues to be a cultural ambassador for India in the United States, regularly performing at ISW events and community programs. Their efforts showcase the richness of Indian traditions, bringing pride to both the Indian diaspora and their homeland.