Pune: Shikhandi Pathak to Protest Transgender Rights Amendment Act During Ganeshotsav
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Nana peth, 27th July 2026: In a landmark moment for inclusivity and cultural representation, Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak, recognised as India’s first transgender dhol-tasha troupe, celebrated its grand inauguration ceremony and officially commenced practice sessions at NMP Hall, Nana Peth, Pune. The event also served as a platform to announce the troupe’s theme for Ganeshotsav 2026, which will focus on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, with organisers stating that they oppose the proposed legislation and aim to raise public awareness about its impact on the transgender community.
Held in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and celebration, the event brought together distinguished guests, veteran dhol-tasha trainers, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and representatives from several renowned dhol-tasha organisations, reflecting growing support for greater inclusion in Maharashtra’s cultural traditions.
The inauguration was attended by Rasika Gunjal and Sagar Shrikant Sakhare as chief guests. Veteran dhol-tasha trainers Kedar Deshpande and Milind Jogdand, who have been associated with the traditional art form since 1980 and have trained thousands of performers across several leading pathaks, were also present and shared their guidance and encouragement with the members.
Several prominent dhol-tasha organisations extended their support by participating in the event, including Parampara Dhol Tasha Pathak, Shivpratap Dhol Tasha Pathak, Ramanbaug Dhol Tasha Pathak, Mrityunjay Pratishthan, Chhatrapati Pathak, Shivgarjana Dhol Tasha Pathak, Garjana Dhol Tasha Pathak, Varchasva Vadya Pathak, Yuva Vadya Pathak and Nadbrahma Pathak. Representatives from these organisations congratulated the troupe and expressed solidarity with its mission of promoting equality through culture.
A representative of Parampara Dhol Tasha Pathak said, “We stand in solidarity with Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak and support their campaign against the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. Every transgender person has the right to self-identify with dignity, and culture should always stand for equality and inclusion.”
Rasika Gunjal said, “Ganeshotsav has always been a platform for social awareness. Through this initiative, we oppose the proposed amendment because it undermines the transgender community’s right to self-identification. This is a fight for equality, dignity and constitutional rights, and I congratulate Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak for bringing this issue before the public.”
Sagar Shrikant Sakhare said, “The proposed amendment has raised genuine concerns within the transgender community. By making this the theme for Ganeshotsav, Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak is using culture to start an important public conversation. We support their demand to protect the right to self-identification and ensure equal rights and respect for every individual.”
Announcing the Ganeshotsav theme, Manasvi Goilkar said the troupe would use Maharashtra’s biggest cultural festival to raise awareness about concerns surrounding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.
“Ganeshotsav has always been a powerful platform for social awareness and public dialogue. Through this year’s theme, we want to highlight our opposition to the proposed amendment because we believe it takes away the transgender community’s right to self-identify their gender. This is about dignity, equality and constitutional rights,” Goilkar said.
Goilkar added, “As India’s first transgender dhol-tasha troupe, we believe culture can become a powerful voice for inclusion and social change. Our performances will celebrate Maharashtra’s traditions while standing for respect, acceptance and equal opportunities for every individual.”
According to the organisers, they oppose the proposed amendment because they believe it removes the right of transgender persons to self-determine their gender identity by requiring certification through a medical board and narrows the legal definition of transgender persons. They said these changes could adversely affect the dignity, recognition and rights of members of the transgender community.
Following the grand inauguration, regular practice sessions for Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak will continue at NMP Hall, Nana Peth, as members prepare for their maiden participation in Ganeshotsav 2026.
The inauguration and ongoing practice sessions are being supported by NMP Foundation, BSP Pune, Mist LGBTQ Foundation, Samapathik Trust, QueerBaaz, Shivgarjana Dhol Tasha Pathak, Charak Foundation, and Inklusion Enterprises, all of whom have extended their support to the troupe’s mission of promoting equality, dignity and inclusion through Maharashtra’s dhol-tasha tradition.
Organisers described the inauguration as much more than the launch of a dhol-tasha troupe. They said it marks the beginning of a new chapter celebrating the talent, resilience, equality and constitutional rights of the transgender community through Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
With the slogan, “Rhythm of Culture… Voice of Equality… Journey of Dignity,” Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak aims to establish itself as a platform where art, tradition and social awareness come together. Through its performances during Ganeshotsav 2026, the troupe hopes to preserve Maharashtra’s dhol-tasha heritage while amplifying the voices of the transgender community and encouraging dialogue on equality, inclusion and human dignity.
