Women’s Dhol Tasha Group Makes Historic Debut at Diwali Celebration in USA

Worcester (Massachusetts), 7th November 2024: The Diwali celebration in Worcester, Massachusetts, brought a historic moment on November 3, 2024, when the India Society of Worcester (ISW) and the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) hosted the first all-women’s Dhol Tasha performance ever held in the United States. This all-women team, part of the ISW Symphony initiative, captivated a crowd of hundreds, bringing an authentic taste of Maharashtra’s folk traditions to the New England area.
The ISW Symphony team, long dedicated to sharing and preserving Indian folk music, saw this all-women Dhol Tasha performance as an expression of empowerment and cultural pride. The powerful beats moved many in the audience to joined in to dance.
Sarita Deshpande, chair of the ISW Symphony initiative, said “For the past two years, we’ve dreamed of forming an all-women Dhol Tasha team” she said. “With an incredible mix of little girls, young women, and mothers, the performance truly celebrated strength and unity. I proudly say, ‘Her Rhythm, Her Voice! Jai Ho!’”
Anjali Kinhikar, who had previously performed with Lezim but took on the Dhol for the first time, was thrilled by the experience. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” she remarked, expressing her enthusiasm for the collaborative effort that brought the performance to life.
Sonia Gera, who plays both Dhol and Tasha, shared her passion, saying, “एकच नशा, ढोल ताशा!” (“One passion, Dhol Tasha!”)—a sentiment that resonated with many in the group.
Prasanna Pawar, one of the Dhol leads, reflected on her journey: “Dhol Tasha Lezim is a cherished tradition from Maharashtra, and playing the dhol has long been on my personal bucket list. I finally had the chance to pursue this passion here in the United States, and it has since become an integral part of my identity. With each performance, the experience grows more powerful and fulfilling. This recent occasion was especially memorable, as it was our first performance as an all-women’s Dhol Tasha team—a truly unforgettable milestone.”
The Diwali event, jointly organized by WAM and ISW, featured a mix of Indian dance, art, and music and attracted about 1400 attendees. ISW has long contributed to the cultural landscape of New England, and this pioneering performance by the all-women Dhol Tasha team added a new chapter to its history.
Rajesh Khare, one of the organizers, noted the inclusive nature of the group: “Our Dhol Tasha Lezim group welcomes everyone—men, women, all ages, and people from all backgrounds,” he shared. “We believe in building a community where all are welcome to join in celebrating and preserving this rich cultural tradition.”
This historic performance by the ISW Symphony’s all-women Dhol Tasha team has already inspired pride within the Indian American community and is likely to encourage similar groups across the United States, adding new meaning to the preservation and celebration of India’s treasured folk traditions abroad.