Konkan’s 800-Year-Old Dashavtar Folk Theatre Comes to Pune for the First Time
Konkan’s 800-Year-Old Dashavtar Folk Theatre Comes to Pune for the First Time
Pune: For the first time ever, Pune will host Dashavtar, the 800-year-old folk theatre tradition from the Konkan region, known for its vibrant storytelling and deep spiritual roots. The performance will be held at the Pune International Centre (PIC) on November 8 at 7 pm as part of the three-day Dasavatari Mahotsav taking place from November 7 to 9. The event will feature renowned artist Dada Rane Konaskar and his troupe.
Dashavtar, one of Maharashtra’s oldest performing arts, depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu — from Matsya to Kalki — through a dynamic blend of drama, music, dance, and narration. Distinguished by its colourful masks, elaborate costumes, and expressive performances, the art form offers a visual and emotional spectacle that connects mythology with devotion.
Producer Alok Thakkar, who is bringing the performance to Pune, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “This form of theatre is unlike anything Pune audiences have seen. Traditionally, Dashavtar is performed in temple courtyards of Konkan villages under the open sky, where families gather after dinner to enjoy the show. We are thrilled to recreate that authentic experience here in Pune.”
Dada Rane Konaskar, who leads the troupe and represents the third generation of Dashavtar performers in his family, expressed pride in carrying forward the legacy. “I’ve been performing Dashavtar for 34 years. While it has always been popular in Konkan and Sindhudurg, the recent film Dasavatar helped introduce it to newer audiences. Through this festival, we hope to share our rich heritage and spiritual depth with Pune,” he said.
Konaskar further explained that Dashavtar goes beyond depicting Vishnu’s incarnations, encompassing divine manifestations and universal moral themes. “Our aim is to help the younger generation reconnect with mythology, traditions, and cultural values,” he added.
Highlighting the broader goal of the festival, Thakkar said, “We hope to bring many traditional art forms like Lavani and Dashavtar to Pune. These performances celebrate India’s artistic diversity and give audiences a chance to experience our living heritage.”
The Dasavatari Mahotsav is being organized by Urbanly Media in collaboration with actor Siddharth Menon, the lead actor of the Marathi film Dasavatar.
