Lavani Festival March 18, 2009

In collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra. This festival is part of the Maharashtra government`s annual initiative to showcase a traditional folk art, such as the Tamasha, Khadi Ganmat, Lavani and Dashavatar. The `Lavani`, traceable back to the 1560s, originates from the word, `lavanya`, or beauty. It is erotic in content, and forms part of the Tamasha, a dramatic art that flourished in western Maharashtra, and Pune, in particular. There is also the Nirguni Lavani, which is based on devotional music, and is popular in Malwa.

Lavani are composed on a wide range of subjects, but most have a stark erotic content along with a tongue-in-cheek humour. The adakari or the seductive glances, accompanied by charming movements, and interaction between the artistes and the spectators is what draws large audiences to the Tamasha Theatres. The technique of making an entry onto the stage by the lavani dancers is very interesting. They enter with their back to the audience, raising the pallu of their nine-yard sarees above their heads and suddenly turn their heads to give the audience the first glimpse of their faces. Traditional groups, attached to the Sangeet Bari Kala Kendra from the rural part of Maharashtra, will perform in this festival. Contact: 66223737 / 66588997.