Lavani

[3] Traditionally, this genre of folk dance deals with different and varied subject matters such as society,[4] religion and politics.

Notably, it is a kind of Mujra strictly performed for men and away from the village with no access for ladies or families to watch.

They wear heavy jewellery that includes thushi (necklace), bormaal, pohehaar, zumka (earrings), Ghungru, kamarpatta (a belt at the waist), bangles, sindoor etc.

The Lavani poet out-steps the limits of social decency and control when it comes to the depiction of sexual passion."

Several celebrated Marathi Shahir poet-singers, which include Parasharam (1754-1844), Ram Joshi (1762–1812), Anant Fandi (1744-1819), Honaji Bala (1754-1844), Prabhakar (1769-1843), Saganbhau, Lok Shahir Annabhau Sathe (1 August 1920 – 18 July 1969) and Bashir Momin Kavathekar[10] (1 March 1947 – 12 November 2021) has contributed significantly for the development of this genre of music.

Lokshahir Bashir Momin Kavathekar was a popular choice amongst the famous Lavani Dancers and his compositions had been presented on stage by various artists like Ms. Surekha Punekar, Ms. Sandhya Mane, Ms. Roshan Satarkar and many Tamasha Troupes since the early 1970s.

[11][12] His folk songs & Lavani's enthralled the audiences, helped in sustaining popularity of the 'Tamasha' and earned him 'Vithabai Narayangavkar Lifetime Achievement Award' for his lifelong contribution.

Lavani can also be termed as a romantic song sung by a lady who is waiting for her lover to accept her, who longs for his love.

Movies such as Pinjara and Natarang not only attempted to blend traditional music with social messages but also helped portray Lavani in a positive light.

Lady performing Lavani dance
Surekha Punekar performing