Tejaswini Women’s Lezim Pathak, Pune’s First Women-Only Lezim Troupe, Performs at National Arts Festival 2025
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 29th December 2025: Tejaswini Women’s Lezim Pathak, recognised as Pune’s first women-only Lezim troupe, performed at the National Arts Festival 2025 organised by the South Central Cultural Zone, Nagpur. The festival was inaugurated at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad on November 21 by President of India Droupadi Murmu.
At the national-level cultural event, the Pune-based women’s troupe performed alongside Ramanbagh Yuva Manch Dhol Tasha Pathak. The combined presentation featured a synchronised Lezim performance accompanied by traditional Dhol-Tasha rhythms, showcasing Maharashtra’s folk traditions in the presence of the President.
During the programme, two representatives of Tejaswini Women’s Lezim Pathak were also invited to perform the traditional Tarpa dance with the President, marking a significant moment for the group.
The National Arts Festival 2025 featured folk and traditional art forms from several states, including Goa, Daman and Diu, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Artists from across the country participated, offering audiences a glimpse into India’s diverse cultural practices.
Founded in 2024 by Jyoti Deshpande and Shruti Supekar, Tejaswini Women’s Lezim Pathak has participated in various cultural programmes in Pune, including Ganesh festival celebrations, DJ-free Dahi Handi events, Shiv Jayanti programmes and other public events.
Co-founder Jyoti Deshpande said the group aims to promote and preserve the traditional Lezim art form while encouraging greater participation of women in cultural performances.
The troupe’s participation at the National Arts Festival highlighted the increasing involvement of women in traditional performing arts and brought recognition to Pune at a national cultural मंच.
