ABOUT US
Shivmalhar Dhol Tasha Pathak
Shivmalhar Dhol Tasha Pathak brings the electrifying beats of Maharashtra’s traditional percussion to life, creating unforgettable performances for every celebration. Specializing in festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Janmashtami, Shivjayanti, and Rajyabhishek, the troupe combines energy, precision, and cultural authenticity. Led by passionate artists, Shivmalhar inspires audiences, preserves heritage, and spreads the joy of Dhol Tasha, making every event a vibrant, rhythmic experience. every rupee earned goes back into supporting the art.
Experience the magic of Maharashtra with Shivmalhar Dhol Tasha Pathak. Our troupe delivers high-energy, authentic performances for festivals and celebrations, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Janmashtami, Shivjayanti, and Rajyabhishek. Each performance honors tradition while captivating audiences with rhythm, precision, and passion. Shivmalhar is dedicated to preserving Dhol Tasha’s legacy, inspiring cultural pride, and connecting communities through music, heritage, and the joy of live celebration.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our story
The History Behind the Shivmalhar
Shivmalhar Dhol Tasha Pathak (SHIM) – Redefining Traditional Dhol Tasha Circuit Shivmalhar/SHIM is an ethical, Pune-rooted troupe, based in Bangalore.Shivmalhar is all about performing high energy DholTasha music & sustaining the Pathak-Culture, i.e. integrity, art, teamwork, unity, courage, & bonding amongst all.
We are a non-profit troupe, the income received for the performances is 100% utilised in the maintenance of instruments, transportation of inventory from Pune, conducting practice sessions, execution expenses, food and travel. We are looking forward to helping needy children by availing musical instruments to encourage talent.
About Dhol Tasha troupe
It’s basically a transition of war-time-tradition to cultural phenomenon.The Context of Dhol Tasha culture today is about traditional celebration. It does derive a significance of procuring our own motherland (“Swarajya”), & living through music, keeping the Dhwaj (flag of victory) high and alive.Nobody gets paid, each member of the troupe is passionately doing it and the soul energy to the troupe members is majorly received by the remembrance of lord Ganesha and the almighty highness Rajmata Jijau Maa Saheb, Maharaja ShivChatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. A Dhol Tasha troupe DO NOT have any political views and does not try to impose any state’s influence. Just an art to enhance celebrations. We respect mother nation and every Indian.
What is the story/history behind music
In ancient times around 16th-17th century; majorly known during Maratha empire, Dhol Tasha was primarily used during battles & celebrations. Also used for war cry. Later, in 19th century, Dhol Tasha troupes started forming and used during Ganesh Utsav celebrations.
When did you move to Bangalore and why?
All the members of Shivmalhar (we call them “Shimmers”) are working professionals in different domains and come from different parts of the country. Everybody lives in Bengaluru for 2-20+ years.
How was the reception of music in Bangalore?
It is not easy to represent a typical art form in front of a cosmopolitan audience. It was a worry before we started how it would be accepted. However, I must say it is phenomenal. We have received overwhelming compliments from the people. The most common one – “WE FELT WE ARE IN PUNE AND MUMBAI”. “THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING US TO DHOL TASHA, WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL ART”
We are very grateful to Bangalore and its people. Proud that we exist in the musical capital of India. By god’s grace, we already have 5.5K followers on Instagram page. And we already have plenty of booking inquiries for 2026 Ganeshotsav.
About gigs, concerts, Performances
We had gracefully received 40+ inquiries for Dhol Tasha around Bangalore during Ganesh Chaturthi and played in 11 venues in 5 days. We have had outstation requests from Hyderabad, Davanagere and Raichur as well. We got a chance to open a sporting event at Nexus Vegacity mall in July.
Recently we have played our first corporate event for Amazon. We are playing another one on 23rd for IBM. Looking forward to collaborating on public workshops.
How many members are part of the troupe?
We successfully accomplished our first Ganesh Utsav 2025 with 42 members. However, soon after the festival, we already have 26 new joiners. We have members aged in range 7years to 60years. In Fact, we have more female members than male members which is remarkable. Being a part of SHIM has no-bars. It is not Maharashtrian-centric. We already have members from different states.
When did it start?
Co-founded by two musicians Girish Gowardhan and Mandar Dhamale, in early 2025(January), Shivmalhar made its dynamic debut on Shivjayanti 2025. (February)
How did it start?
Shivmalhar is a junction named “Shiv” from “Shivdigvijay” & “Malhar” from “Malhar”.I moved to Bangalore a decade ago from Pune, seeking a job. However, the passion towards Dhol Tasha was making me travel to pune during Ganesh Chaturthi every year. Which was troublesome and I was badly seeking Dhol Tasha in Bengaluru. I used to play at Shivdigvijay Dhol Tasha Pathak in Pune.On the other hand, Mandar was going through a similar journey. He used to play at Malhar Dhol Tasha Pathak, Pune.Despite being neighbourhood Troupes, we met for the first time at the very first Dhol Tasha workshop held at Maharashtra Mandal Bengaluru in 2022. We met, jammed & the matched passion + chemistry was phenomenal – which we feel brought Shivmalhar to the earth. We feel spiritual about troupe’s birth.
Shivmalhar is proudly carving a new rhythm for future generations of performers and audiences alike. Ethically Run. Fiercely passionate.
How did it start?
