The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), in collaboration with the department of Cultural Affairs and the state directorate of Cultural Affairs has organized the Dashavatari Theatre Festival in Navi Mumbai.
The first of its kind initiative by the corporation is intended to preserve and promote the state’s folk arts, traditions, and cultural heritage while introducing the younger generation to Maharashtra’s rich cultural legacy.
The Festival, is being conducted at Bunts Auditorium, Sector 24, Juinagar, Navi Mumbai. ” This festival embodies the essence of Konkan’s red soil. Dashavatari theatre is a traditional folk theatre form of Maharashtra’s Konkan region, dramatizing the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The performances are spontaneously enacted by skilled artists, creating a mesmerizing effect on the audience.,” said an official.
The festival commenced from February 13 and will go on till february 18 with participation by renowned Dashavatari theatre troupes from Konkan.
The art form is widely popular in Sindhudurg district, including Sawantwadi, Kudal, Malvan, Vengurla, and Kankavli, as well as some parts of Goa. “To ensure that this distinctive art form reaches wider audiences and that folk artists get the platform they deserve, the Department of Cultural Affairs organizes the Dashavatari Theatre Festival in various citie and this time its is being hosted by NMMC,” said .the official
On February 13, the festival commenced with a performance by Kaleshwar Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Nerur, presented by Sudhir Kalingan. On the second day Devendra Naik Chendavankar Traditional Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Chendavan enthralled the audience. On Sunday, February 16, the Jay Hanuman Traditional Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Aros, performed to a large audience on the weekend.
The Dashavatari Theatre Festival offers free entry to all art enthusiasts.
The festival will continue with:
On Monday, February 17, performances by Arolkar Traditional Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Aravali, and Omkar Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Vengurla.
On Tuesday, February 18, the festival will conclude with performances by Dev Buteshwar Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Mankhurd, and Tendolkar Traditional Dashavatari Theatre Troupe, Zharap.
