Who We Are
What Is Shivam Dhol Tasha?
Shivam Dhol Tasha is a high-energy drum (dhol) & snare (tasha) ensemble that brings the vibrant sound of Maharashtra’s festival music to audiences across North America. As a registered nonprofit, Shivam performs at Indian festivals, cultural showcases, parades, and large community events across the U.S. and Our rhythms bring people together — creating moments of joy, nostalgia, excitement, and connection for anyone who hears them, whether they grew up with this music or are discovering it for the first time.
How It All Started
Shivam Dhol Tasha began in 2014 when a handful of friends in Dallas, missed the vibrant energy of Maharashtra’s Dhol Tasha during Ganesh Festival season — the kind of music you don’t just hear, you feel in your chest. So we picked up drums, gathered in parks and backyards, and started recreating that magic together. What began as a way to carry our culture forward slowly grew into something much bigger.
The History of Dhol Tasha
Traditionally, dhols and tashas have been used in celebrations like festivals and victory marches — if there was a reason to rejoice, the drums were there. During historical times, these instruments were more than music — they were motivation. When soldiers heard the drums, it meant the Dhwaj — the flag — was still standing. Today, the tradition embodies the spirit and cultural heritage of Maharashtra, uniting communities in celebrations and public events.
Shivam is the first and only Maharashtrian Dhol Tasha Pathak artist to share the origins and evolution of Maharashtrian Dhol Tasha with the world on the prestigious global TED Talk platform.
Origins and Evolution
The Dhol-Tasha percussion tradition traces its origins to approximately the 13th century in India, where drummers played during royal processions, religious ceremonies, and military campaigns. The instruments served dual purposes: military signaling to guide soldiers and uplift morale during warfare, and cultural expression in religious and celebratory contexts.
Dhol Tasha tradition was revived again by Mr. Appa Pendse. This tradition of Dhol-Tasha was first started in Pune. Dhol-Tasha was played in school in a very disciplined and in proper management way later these groups were called as Dhol-Tasha Pathak. Mr. Pendse always wanted to keep going this tradition in proper discipline and well-mannered ways. This In school, Dhol-Tasha has been used to give rhythm or music for the Drills of Barchi, Flags, Lezim, etc. These drills had a beautiful formation followed by the perfect beats of the Dhol-Tasha.
The dhol tasha performances requires lots of physical energy and stamina, dedication, enthusiasm. Dhol Tasha Pathak consists of many different musical instruments. Such as Flags, Dhol, Tasha, Tol (Thali), Zanj, Lezim, Barchi, Taal, etc. It helps to builds character in the kids and even adult performers, such as teamwork, passion, dedication, discipline, healthy lifestyle to deliver the intense performances.
The Instruments
- In earlier times, the flagpole was made of bamboo, but today aluminum or steel poles are commonly used, usually 8 to 12 feet in height. There is tremendous respect for every flag across the world, and in the same way, this saffron flag is held in the highest regard. During the procession (Miravnuk), Dhol–Tasha performance begins only after offering a salutation to the saffron flag, and once the flag is hoisted, the Pathak starts the program, and the flag remains raised until the very end. During the procession (Miravnuk), one person carries the flag in the middle, dancing with it and taking great care of it.
- Every Pathak shows the same deep respect toward the flag. If at any point during the program the flag breaks or falls, the performance is stopped immediately. Each procession is seen as an act of honor to this saffron flag, which is considered the first and most important element for any Dhol–Tasha organization.
- Barrel: Wood, traditionally fitted with a galvanized metal sleeve.
- Membranes: Dual animal hide (goat or buffalo), traditionally secured with cotton ropes or contemporary steel hooks.
- Drumsticks: Wooden construction with specific weight and balance for authentic sound production.
- Acoustic Design: The double-headed construction creates the characteristic deep bass resonance
- Body: Brass or copper, molded using centuries-old metalworking techniques.
- Membrane: Goat skin (traditional) or modern fiber alternatives, installed manually to allow sound adjustment.
- Sticks: Thin bamboo or plastic sticks, specifically designed for the sharp, percussive attack.
- Snare Mechanism: Copper or steel configuration.
- It is an essential supporting instrument to maintain the beat/meter in the Dhol–Tasha ensemble. It is created with brass and comes in different sizes as well as metal types.
- Description: A wooden stick with a string holding small, jingling metal cymbals or discs.
- Sound: Creates a rhythmic, percussive sound as it's shaken or struck.
- Variations: Sometimes made of steel or heavier materials for intense physical drills
Global Stage Domination
To take Dhol Tasha to the global stage, representing the spirit of Maharashtra India before the world’s largest audiences.
Thriving Community
To build a thriving community of passionate performers who carry this tradition forward with pride and purpose.
Unforgettable Experience
To deliver unforgettable performances to every audience — from community festivals to international ceremonies.
Excellence Redefined
To train every member toward excellence in rhythm, performance, discipline, and cultural representation.
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Unforgettable Experience
To deliver unforgettable performances to every audience — from community festivals to
international ceremonies.
-
Excellence Redefined
To train every member toward excellence in
rhythm, performance, discipline, and
cultural representation.
-
Echoing Across Global Stages
To take Dhol Tasha to the global stage, representing the spirit of Maharashtra before the world’s
largest audiences.
-
Thriving Community
To build a thriving community of passionate
performers who carry this tradition forward with pride
and purpose.
Beyond the Beat
Shivam is more than a performance group — we are cultural ambassadors. Through our work, we preserve a traditional Indian percussion art form, inspire cross-cultural exchange through fusion and collaborative performances, and partner with charitable organizations to give back to the communities that support us.
How We Create Impact
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Cultural preservation: Keeping the tradition of Dhol Tasha alive in
North America
- Cross-cultural collaboration: Fusion performances with Japanese Daiko, African Djembe, and more