Kalavant Pathak marks 12 years of uniting Pune through rhythm, culture, and community spirit. Photo by PuneriPages.in
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
It’s a sound that defines Pune during Ganeshotsav and every major celebration — the electrifying crack of the tasha, the thunderous roll of the dhol. But for Kalavant Dhol Tasha Pathak, now in its 12th year, those beats are more than just music. They’re a heartbeat. A pulse of unity. A rhythm that has brought together hundreds of people from every walk of life.
Table of Contents
A Celebration of 12 Years
This week, Kalavant Pathak marked its 12-year anniversary with the same energy and emotion that has defined its journey since day one. But before we dive into the celebration, let’s take a moment to understand what makes this group so special.
More Than Just a Group: It’s a Family
There are over 180+ members in Kalavant today, and what’s beautiful is that there’s no ‘type’ of member here. You’ll find doctors, engineers, students, teachers, artists, IT professionals, and even homemakers. Each one walks into practice in their own world, but once the drums begin, there are no titles, no differences. Just rhythm.
I remember seeing one of their practice sessions once – soaked in sweat, sunburned, and yet beaming with pride. That image stuck with me. Because it wasn’t just about playing drums. It was about belonging to something bigger.
The Journey: 12 Years of Rhythm and Resilience
Kalavant Pathak began 12 years ago with a simple vision — to create a space where anyone with passion for rhythm and culture could come together. No barriers. Just pure dedication. And since then, they’ve not just grown in numbers but in purpose. Over the years, they’ve become regulars during Pune’s Ganesh festivals, Gudi Padwa rallies, and even social causes.
What keeps them going? It’s not money. It’s not fame. It’s the satisfaction of giving the city goosebumps every time they perform. That’s their reward.
Practicing Beyond Performance
People often think these dhol pathaks just show up during festivals. But Kalavant puts in the hard work all year round. They practice week after week — sometimes in blazing heat, sometimes in pouring rain. And when they’re not playing? They’re busy organizing social initiatives: blood donation drives, environmental campaigns, community clean-ups.
They don’t just play for the people. They serve the people.
A Message to the Youth
If you’re from Pune and you’ve ever felt the goosebumps from a dhol-tasha performance, maybe it’s time you picked up a stick and joined them. Because the truth is, Kalavant isn’t just a group you watch. It’s a group you become a part of.
As someone who’s followed their journey closely, I can say this: They don’t just play beats. They play belief. Belief in unity, culture, and community.
Here’s to the Next 12 Years
To everyone in Kalavant Pathak: thank you for being the sound of celebration, of emotion, of identity. Your 12-year journey is not just your own, it belongs to every Punekar who feels a little prouder, a little stronger, every time you take the street.
Keep playing. We’ll keep listening. And together, we’ll keep marching to the same beat.
About The Author
