(GIST OF YOJANA) Zadipatti and Dashavatar – Maharashtra

[August-2020]

Zadipatti is practised in the rice cultivating region/Eastem region of Maharashtra, which includes Chandrapur Bhandar and Gadchiroli district of Vidarbha, during the harvest season and derives its name from the local name zadi for rice. The theatre art of this region is known as Zadipatti Rangbhumi.
It is a blend of commercial and folk theatre form. Live music is a vital part of the form and the actors are singers as well.
Although practised by various theatre groups these days, the region is inhabited by tribes like Gond, Korfu and Pardhi; and Zadipatti was born out of the tribal performing art called Dandar, which was a theatrical performance combining music and dance.

Dashavatar is a folk theatre form practised by farmers in the Sindhudurg district of the South Konkan region of Maharashtra and the North Goa district of Goa.
Dashavatar is a popular form of drama in rural areas. Initially popularised in the Konkan area, today it come to be looked upon as part of the classes.
The performance uses bright make-up and costumes. It is accompanied by three musical instruments: a paddle harmonium, tabla and zanj (cymbals).