Pune, India – In a historic opportunity, the city of Pune’s renowned drummers’ troupe, Shriram Pathak, has been chosen to showcase their exceptional talent at the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The troupe, consisting of 750 members, is set to send a delegation of around 150 performers for the week-long event, scheduled to unfold on January 24 or 25 in Uttar Pradesh’s historical city.
Accompanying them in this prestigious performance will be the Keshav Shankhnaad Pathak, a troop of conch shell players, also hailing from Pune. With over 450 members, this group will be represented by 111 individuals spanning the ages of five to 85 years.
Expressing gratitude for the invitation from the temple trust, Nachiket Phadake, a member of Shriram Pathak’s tour coordination committee, stated, “This is a landmark opportunity for us. We aim to capture the essence of Maharashtra’s culture and recreate the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav through our performance.”
The musical composition chosen for the ceremony will pay homage to Lord Ram and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, incorporating specially crafted shlokas (verses) designed for the inauguration.
During their stay in Ayodhya, the troupe is set to perform at various locations, including city streets, the banks of the Sharayu river, and near the temple. Traditional instruments like the dhol, tasha, and sambal will accompany the performers, along with a dedicated group of flag-bearers.
Members of the Shriram Pathak Drummers shared their background, revealing that the group has been actively performing for approximately 25 years, primarily during Ganeshotsav festivities. Apart from their musical pursuits, they engage in social initiatives, including blood donation drives and solid waste management efforts. Notably, a significant number of the group’s founders and members are associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
