Pune: This year’s Ganapati immersion processions in Pune saw a surge of teenage energy in dhol tasha troupes. Along Laxmi Road and Belbag Chowk, school and college students joined seasoned drummers, driving the beats that propelled the immersion processions forward. Organisers noted a sharp rise in young participants, with many mandals setting an age limit of 16-plus while training younger members in the months leading up to the fest. Dhol Tasha Mahasangh’s Parag Thakur said, “With more mandals opting for dhol tasha troupes over DJs, we’ve encouraged additional participants. This year, we saw a 30-40% increase in 16-19-year-old performers, reflecting growing interest and dedication among this demographic.” For 18-year-old Aarav Joshi from Wanowrie, the commitment was clear. “I’ve been going to Kedarinagar every evening for over a month to practice. I even took time out from my tuition classes. I’m preparing to go abroad for my graduation next year, so I wanted to make the most of this year’s Ganeshotsav and enjoy the festive experience fully.” The devotion of young performers was mirrored by proud parents in the crowd. Vijay Patil and his wife, both in their 60s, waded through the dense throngs at Sadashiv Peth to reach the barricade. “We had to push our way through the crowd, but seeing our daughter beat the dhol in full blue nauvari sari with the traditional nath for our local mandal was worth every step,” the parents echoed. Many youngsters could be seen in coordinated coloured kurtas with denim bottoms and matching dupattas, clearly identifying the troupe they belonged to as they drummed through the visarjan route. In housing societies and individual homes, the responsibility of playing the dhol often falls on children. Some as young as 8–10 years practice diligently at home or in small society groups, learning the beats in hopes of one day graduating to the big leagues that play along Laxmi Road during visarjan.
