Address:
ZILHA KRIDA SANKUL, NANDURBAR, NANDURBAR ,MAHARASHTRA - 425412
About type of art
Name of Tribal Dance - Tarpa Dance
Name of Tribe - Warli
Name of Performers (with mobile Numbers)-
Details of the troupes-
1. Adiwasi Krantivir Raghoji Bhangara, Paramparik Kalamandal, Shensari(Toranpada), Tal- Dahanu,
Dist- Palghar Mr.Subhash Dhakal Mhala
Mob. No. - 9022191565
2. Dhanivari Ebhadpada Mahila Bachat Gat, Dhanivare, Tal- Dahanu, Dist- Palghar
Mr.Hirya Vitthal Kordya
Mob. No. - 9284604662 / 8390941844
3. Adiwasi Birasa Munda Sanskrutik Kalapathak, Shensari,Tal- Dahanu,
Dist- Palghar
Mr.Vishnu Balu Chaudhari
Mob. No. - 8010302213
Meaning/Significance-
The Tarpa dance is performed during the harvest. It is named after the Tarpa, a unique instrument, played by people belonging to Warli Tribe. A wind instrument made of dried gourd, bamboo and beeswax, the Tarpa produces a deep sonorous sound that echoes through the hills.
This Warli tribe lives mainly in the coastal area of Maharashtra State. Warlis are found in Jawhar, Vikramgad, Mokhada, Dahanu and Talasari talukas of the northern Palghar district, parts of Nashik and Dhule as well as Navapur taluka of Nandurbar of Maharashtra.
According to the community, their deity, Dongarya Mawli, must be invoked before the Tarpa can be played. Their belief that the dance will impart necessary vitality to the growing crops for a rich harvest.
In this dance, three generations dance together, including grandparents, mothers, fathers, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This dance is known as organized and disciplined dance. A Tarpakari is producing your rhythmic tune. And the Ghungru Kathiwala (Dance Director) gives direction to all the performers. They make the whole village dance to his tune. In order to participate in this dance, one has to join hands with the last one. The whole point is once you participate you can not get out until the dance is over. The dance lasts for hours with everyone engrossed in the rhythm and tune produced by the Tarpa and Ghungru Kathi (Bell stick).
Performance Context-
For the Warli, this dance was a form of entertainment, a means of relaxing after a hard day in the fields. Following the celebrations of Nag Panchami, the tarpa dance may take place on all festive occasions, until Diwali. Tarpa dance starts from Dussehra festival and is performed directly till Shimga Holi festival.
The Tarpa dance is performed mainly on moonlit nights, with the tarpa pulling young and old to join in the simple joy of the dance. No songs are sung, and it is only the tonal changes in the notes of the tarpa that guide the pace and rhythm of the dance.
Men and women hold hands, moving in time to the increasing tempo with steps and movements that reflect the natural surroundings and their daily lives.
In this dance, everyone costume is full of characteristics. The costume has a unique general significance in dance. Tarpakari dress is different from others. But Ghungru Kathiwala (Dance Director) is dressed in traditional attire just like the other dancers. Women participate by wearing distinctive costumes. Every woman participates by wearing garlands, braids and flowers that she will find in her hair. This dance is very charming and kind of quiet. No noise, no confusion, only melody, rhythm and cadence are the hallmarks of this dance. This dance is an attempt show the unity and discipline of the tribal community.
Music and Instruments-
In this tarpa dance, tarpa is a special instrument. It is made by the tribal musicians themselves. The tarpa player is a very important figure in this dance. It is not possible for an ordinary player to play the tarpa instrument. It has a traditional base.
The Tarpa is constructed using materials easily available in forest. It is made with the thick skin of a whole gourd into which a bamboo pipe with finger holes is inserted to form a wind instrument. It is decorated with colorful threads and the fronds appear like the feather of a peacock. The instrument may also be played on occasions such as marriages and festivals, when instruments like the Dhak, Dhol, Dholki and Ghangli provide musical accompaniment.