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Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Maharashtra’s 1st Transgender Dhol-Tasha Troupe, Shikhandi, Performs In Pune; Watch

The very first fully transgender dhol-tasha troupe performed in Pune as the Ganeshotsav celebrations began.

by Tooba Shaikh
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Maharashtra’s 1st Transgender Dhol-Tasha Troupe, Shikhandi, Performs In Pune; Watch

The entire country is currently celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and nowhere else is it celebrated with more festivities than in Maharashtra. But this time around, in addition to loads of blessings and opportunities for joyous celebrations, Bappa brought with him a fresh tide of inclusivity. The very first fully transgender dhol-tasha troupe performed in Pune as the Ganeshotsav celebrations began. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this trans troupe!

Maharashtra’s 1st Transgender Dhol-Tasha Troupe In Pune

This Ganesh Chaturthi, Bappa’s blessings are already taking effect. We have a fresh new reason to celebrate. Maharashtra’s very first fully transgender dhol-tasha troupe performed at the commencement of Ganeshotsav celebrations.

The troupe is called Shikhandi and they performed at the very famous Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune. Their performance made history and videos of it are now going viral on X (formerly known as Twitter). Both, the video and the troupe were praised widely.

If reports are to go by, this particular troupe was founded by Manasvi Goilkar. According to an article which was recently published by The Indian Express or the IE, Goilkar was tired of being rejected by other dhol-tasha troupes.

Also Read: Peak Bengaluru Moment! Transgender Uses QR Scanner To Accept Money At Signal; Netizens Are Impressed

Other Important Details About Shikhandi, The Trans Troupe

The dhol-tasha space is traditionally dominated by men and only recently, women have started participating increasingly in them. However, when it comes to including trans people, Goilkar found the space lacking.

She therefore founded her own troupe as a space of inclusion for people like her. As of now, Shikhandi has a total of 30 members.

The name ‘Shikhandi’ is taken from the famous Mahabharata character. Shikhandi was a female who later transitioned and became a male. The character was an important one and is proof that queer and trans people, contrary to what most people think these days, have always been a part of Indian culture and are not a modern or Western invention. 

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Special: Chef Natasha Gandhi’s Melt-In-Your-Mouth Churma Ladoo Is The Only Sweet Treat You Need!

Have you ever witnessed something like this? Don’t you think that the trans community should be included more in such festivities? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: @jaggirm/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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First Published: September 08, 2024 11:06 AM