Bhiklya Dhinda and the Tarpa Tradition

Bhiklya Dhinda and the Tarpa Tradition

Bhiklya Dhinda, a 92-year-old tribal musician, has been honoured with the Padma Shri for his lifelong contribution to preserving the Tarpa, a sacred wind instrument of the Warli and Kokna tribal communities of Maharashtra. The Tarpa, traditionally made from bamboo, is played during rituals, seasonal festivals, and community gatherings.

When the Tarpa is performed, villagers dance in a circular formation, symbolising unity, collective identity, and harmony with nature. The tradition is transmitted orally across generations and represents an important form of intangible cultural heritage. However, rapid modernisation and declining interest among younger generations have placed this tradition at risk. Dhinda’s recognition draws national attention to the need for protecting tribal art forms, folk music, and indigenous cultural knowledge systems.