Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Hyderabad’s Dhol-Tasha Groups Bring Ganesh Chaturthi Alive Together
Dhol-tasha is music made with a large drum called a dhol and a smaller drum called a tasha.
In Hyderabad, groups play this music during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Mitraangan is a Marathi community organisation with nearly 18,000 members.
Its performers practise for weeks so they can play together smoothly.
They say the music teaches teamwork, patience and discipline.
Mitraangan has welcomed Khairatabad Ganesh with these drums since 2017.
Another group, NAAD Dhol Tasha Pathak, began in 2022 and also plays as an act of devotion.
People from different jobs, ages and communities take part.
The groups hope young people will continue the tradition.
Mitraangan, a Marathi community organisation in Hyderabad, has grown to nearly 18,000 members through social media.
Mitraangan Dhol Tasha Pathak says it has performed at nearly 1,000 events during 11 years, including twice before Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The group has welcomed Khairatabad Ganesh with dhol-tasha since 2017, with nearly 80 members expected to participate this year.
NAAD Dhol Tasha Pathak, founded in 2022, describes its performances as an expression of seva, devotion and tradition.
Performers say dhol-tasha builds discipline, teamwork and cultural connections across professions, generations and languages.
- Who
- Mitraangan Dhol Tasha Pathak, NAAD Dhol Tasha Pathak and their performers, including women, men and young people.
- What
- Dhol-tasha groups in Hyderabad are preparing to perform during Ganesh Chaturthi and promote a Marathi cultural tradition.
- When
- During Ganesh Chaturthi; Mitraangan’s training generally begins in the second week of May, and its Khairatabad Ganesh welcome has taken place since 2017.
- Where
- Hyderabad, including Khairatabad.
- Why
- To welcome Lord Ganesha, express devotion and seva, preserve cultural heritage, and bring people together through music.
- Mitraangan membership
- Nearly 18,000 members in Hyderabad
- Mitraangan history
- Active for 11 years
- Mitraangan performances
- Nearly 1,000 events
- Khairatabad tradition
- Welcoming Khairatabad Ganesh since 2017
- Expected Mitraangan participants
- Nearly 80 members this year
- NAAD founding
- Established in 2022
- Training schedule
- Mitraangan’s annual training generally begins in the second week of May