Veteran tribal musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra’s Palghar district has been named a recipient of the Padma Shri in the ‘unsung heroes’ category, earning nationwide recognition for his lifelong dedication to Tarpa music. The announcement triggered celebrations across Palghar, particularly among tribal communities who see the honour as a tribute to their cultural legacy.
Reacting to the recognition, the 90-year-old artiste described the award as a blessing from God, whom he said he has worshipped through music since childhood. Dhinda shared that he began playing the Tarpa at the age of 10, continuing a 400-year-old family tradition rooted deeply in tribal customs and spiritual practices.
Dhinda is regarded as one of the finest exponents of the Tarpa, a traditional wind instrument crafted from bottle gourd and bamboo that can extend up to ten feet in length. The instrument holds a central place in tribal rituals, festivals and social gatherings, symbolising harmony between nature, music and community life.
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Belonging to a lineage that has preserved Tarpa music for centuries, Dhinda has devoted his entire life to both making and performing the instrument. His performances across various parts of Maharashtra have earned him widespread respect as a custodian of tribal art and an enduring symbol of cultural continuity.
Speaking about his life, Dhinda said his family’s wealth lies in their culture rather than material possessions. With no other profession, he survives through small-scale farming and by crafting Tarpa instruments, adding that an earlier award from the Maharashtra government helped him build a modest hut for his family.
Beyond performance, Dhinda has played a vital role in mentoring young artistes, teaching them the art of Tarpa playing to ensure its survival for future generations. Locals across Palghar have hailed the Padma Shri as a moment of immense pride, celebrating it as a recognition not only of Dhinda’s devotion but of the enduring spirit of tribal culture itself.
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