AKOLA

Kalapathak refers to a theatrical troupe that performs comedic and socially conscious programs. These groups are invited by villagers to participate in community events, particularly during significant occasions such as Bhim Jayanti, Shiv Jayanti, and electoral activities. Performances incorporate both traditional and modern instruments and are typically held at communal spaces including Buddha Vihara, under large trees (known as “par” in Marathi), or at mandirs.

Bhajan and Kirtan Mandal are groups of people who typically perform bhajans and bhakti songs together. The Warkari are one of the prominent Bhajan and Kirtan groups in Akola, known for using music as a powerful way to spread awareness about Devta Vitthal. Their gatherings are lively and often feature traditional instruments like the Mridangam, Pakhawaj, Dholki, and Khanjiri.

The Warkari are easily recognizable by their traditional attire, which consists of white dresses and white caps. One of the most iconic and energetic dances associated with the Warkari is the Pauli. In this dance, participants move to the rhythm of the Tal, a traditional drum, while fully dressed in their traditional attire. Another notable aspect of Warkari culture is the Warkari Fugadi, a traditional dance that is a significant part of their celebrations.

Pingala is a traditional form of folk performance in which a male artist, dressed in traditional attire, visits villages to deliver predictions about the future. These prophecies are often believed to come true by the local residents. Upon arrival at each household, the performer sings well-known songs known as Pingla, which announce his presence. It is customary for the artist to first receive a saree, after which he asks for the person's name and then shares their fortune.

These artists often reside temporarily in villagers’ homes or, in some cases, in cemeteries during their travels. They typically arrive in villages during the early morning hours and leave before sunrise. Unfortunately, this tradition is gradually fading, with the number of active Pingala performers in decline.

Gaulan is a type of Marathi folk song that expresses the love between Bhagwan Krishna and Radha. These songs are often performed during festivals and celebrations like Gokulashtami. Gaulan songs are typically structured and composed by renowned Sants, such as Eknath and Namdev.

Sang Radhe kuna sang hasli g

sang sang sang radhe Sang na g

Sang radhe kuna sang hasli g

Tuzya venichi gath Kashi sutli g

ghagar gheun panyishi jata

Paniyashi jata Bai yamunela jata

paniyashi ...yamuneshi...

Ag hasli..ag hasli..

Sang radhe kuna sang hasli g

Tuzya venichi gath Kashi sutli g

Dahi dudh gheun bajrala jata

Bajrala jata Bai mathurela jata

Bajrala g.. mathulela g...

Ag hasli.....

Sang radhe kuna sang hasli g

Tuzya venichi gath Kashi sutli g

Eka janardani  Radha gaulan

Gaulan geli krushnala sharanala.      

Navya yugachi navri natli

Tuzya venichi gath Kashi sutli

Sang radhe kuna sang hasli g...

In this Gaulan song, Radha is playfully teasing Krishna, asking him who made her laugh. The lyrics describe Radha's daily activities, like going to the Yamuna river to fetch water or going to the market to buy curd and milk, all the while thinking of Krishna.

Bamboo is a versatile material widely used in handicrafts in Akola, where local artisans create a variety of functional items. One such item is the dawali, a bamboo basket that is traditionally used to store rotis. It is designed in such a way that it allows air circulation and promotes quick cooling.

Another common item is the threshing sup, a tool used for separating grain from chaff. It is made by cutting bamboo into a specific shape and drying it; during use, grain is tossed into the air, with the lighter waste collecting at the front and the heavier grain settling at the bottom. Additionally, brooms are crafted from broom grass and palm tree fibers, and are commonly used for cleaning both yards and houses.

Pramilatai Oak Hall is a performing arts venue located in Akola. It is regarded as the only dedicated theater for the performing arts in the city. The hall has hosted numerous community events and has served as a platform for emerging artists, making it a prominent center for theatrical and cultural activities in the region.

The Khanjiri is a traditional Indian percussion instrument made with wood and the leather of different animals. It is commonly played by Sant Tukdoji Maharaj and Satyapal Maharaj during their kirtanas. When two such Khanjiri instruments are hit against each other, they produce a melodious sound.

In addition to the traditional wooden and leather Khanjiri, there is also a version made with plastic and steel. This plastic Khanjiri has two steel plates on its edges that create a melodic sound when the screws are tightened. Unlike the traditional Khanjiri, the plastic version is played with only one instrument, rather than two being hit together.

Gajanan Ghongde is a celebrated caricaturist, calligrapher, and graphic designer from Akola, renowned for his exceptional artistic skills. Throughout his career, he has garnered numerous accolades and awards both nationally and internationally for his outstanding work in fine arts.

In 2014, Ghongde, very remarkably, won first prize in a national drawing competition organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, where he was selected from among more than 1000 entries nationwide. He was also awarded the Maya Kamat Smriti Political Cartoonist Award by the Indian Institute of Cartoonists, Bangalore, securing first place in both 2011 and 2014. In the same year, he was selected as one of 20 cartoonists representing 20 countries at the International Cartoon Competition and Exhibition held in Delhi, organized by the German Advocate.

In addition to these achievements, he has received the 'Acharya Atre Award' given by Acharya Atre Smriti Pratishthan, Pune, for his contributions to the cartoon field in 2015 and the 'Kala Ratna award' given by Ashok Pushpa Pratishthan, Mumbai, in 2017.

Vitthal Bhikaji Wagh (born 1 January 1945) is a Marathi poet, writer and artist. He is well known for writing in the Varhadi dialect, which is spoken in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. His career spans over five decades of writing work which includes writing poetry collections, dialogues for movies and dramas, songs, novels and one drama 'Andhar Yatra.' He is also famous for his glass craft technique, using which he decorates walls of houses using broken glasses.