Ancient Konkan Art Form Makes Historic Pune Debut
For the first time in its long history, Pune is set to experience Dashavtar, the 800-year-old traditional folk theatre from the Konkan region. This groundbreaking performance will take place at the Pune International Centre (PIC) on November 8 at 7 pm, marking a significant cultural milestone for the city.
Three-Day Celebration of Divine Avatars
The performance is part of the three-day Dasavatari Mahotsav running from November 7 to 9. The event features renowned artist Dada Rane Konaskar and his troupe, who will bring to life the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu - from Matsya to Kalki. This ancient art form combines devotional storytelling with music, dance, and dialogue, distinguished by its striking makeup, colorful masks, and elaborate costumes.
Show producer Alok Thakkar emphasized the uniqueness of this theatrical experience for Pune audiences. "This is not the kind of theatre performance audiences in Pune are accustomed to," Thakkar noted. "Traditionally, Dashavtar is performed in temple courtyards after dinner in Konkani villages, where families gather to watch. Pune will now experience this art form for the first time, accompanied by live music played at the venue."
Preserving Cultural Heritage for New Generations
Dada Rane Konaskar, a third-generation Dashavtar artist with 34 years of performance experience, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing this traditional art to Pune. "While it has long been popular in the Konkan and Sindhudurg regions, the recent film based on Dashavtar helped introduce the art to a wider audience," Konaskar explained.
The artist highlighted the broader significance of Dashavtar beyond mere entertainment. "It's not only about the Vishnu avatars, it's about all gods and their avatars, and our main intention is to introduce the new generation with our mythology, our tradition and our culture," he said. "Another important aspect that this brings forth is social enlightenment."
Konaskar also emphasized that the performance appeals to all age groups and serves as a bridge between generations, making it a perfect family cultural experience.
The event, organized by Urbanly Media in association with Siddharth Menon, the lead actor of the Dasavatar film, represents part of a larger effort to preserve and promote traditional Indian art forms. Thakkar added, "As a festival producer, I'd like many other such art forms to come forward and join hands with us. We would like to take them to Punekars so they can enjoy varied art forms, be it Lavani or Dashavatar."
Tickets for this historic cultural event are available through the official booking platform, offering Pune residents a rare opportunity to witness this ancient theatrical tradition that has been captivating audiences in Konkan for eight centuries.
