Nagpur's Gajavakra Troupe Earns National Acclaim with Historic Republic Day Performance
Maharashtra's vibrant tableau clinched the prestigious first prize at this year's Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The highlight of the winning presentation was the splendid traditional dhol-tasha performance by Nagpur's renowned Gajavakra troupe, which accompanied the tableau celebrating the significance of the Ganesh festival.
A Historic Moment for Cultural Heritage
This remarkable event marked the very first time that a dhol-tasha performance graced the Kartavya Path during Republic Day celebrations. The 35-member troupe from Nagpur captivated dignitaries from India and abroad with their powerful rhythmic beats, offering a vibrant glimpse into the rich tapestry of Marathi culture. Many observers expressed that Nagpur earned special national recognition through this magnificent showcase of Maharashtra's cultural heritage.
Rigorous Preparation and Expert Guidance
Troupe head Pratik Chambole revealed the dedication behind their success. "Our 35-member troupe stayed in Delhi for 20 days and practiced rigorously," he explained. "We are happy that it resulted in an excellent presentation that resonated with the audience."
The artists received special guidance from acclaimed shehnai player Lokesh Anand, whose expertise significantly boosted their confidence. For the overall success of this performance, the troupe also acknowledged the valuable guidance and cooperation from South Central Zone Cultural Centre director Astha Karlekar and Nilesh Kanhede.
The Talented Ensemble
The Gajavakra troupe comprised dedicated artists who brought this cultural spectacle to life:
- Rajat Yelane
- Ruchit Aparajit
- Omkar Dev
- Akash Kumbhare
- Ameya Puranik
- Durvesh Ufat
- Amit Bhede
- Naitik Surushe
- Siddhesh Nemad
- Harsh Date
- Vedant Surushe
- Sarthak Thamke
- Arnav Mudaliyar
- Naman Motariya
- Pranay Borikar
- Swapnil Garjalwar
- Parth Bisen
- Palash Shende
- Omkar Puranik
- Gajanan Belge
- Sammit Menjoge
- Atharv Bihade
- Giridhar Kadu
- Parth Dhabekar
- Ansh Barde
- Krish Vinchurkar
- Parth Amritkar
- Rudraksh Deshmukh
- Shantanu Sawant
- Kartik Bhagat
- Krishna Sathwane
- Vineet Dekate
- Tejas Kathoke
- Omkar Dangore
- Soham Randai
The Nagpur artists made the most of this historic moment, drawing the audience into their powerful rhythmic presentation that celebrated Maharashtra's cultural legacy on a national platform.
