Lavani

Context: The article is based on the controversy surrounding dance form,  “ Lavani “, which has come under criticism for being ‘vulgar’ and ‘obscene’.

About Lavani:

• Maharashtra folk dance
• The word Lavani comes from ‘lavanya’ or beauty.
• Traditional folk art form in which women dancers wearing nine-yard-long sarees in bright colours, make-up, and ghunghroos perform on dholak beats on a stage before a live audience.
• Lavani has a history going back several centuries
  • It attained particular popularity in the Peshwa era in the 18th century.
• Traditionally, performances were held in front of kings or lords, and for the entertainment of tired soldiers resting during breaks in fighting.
• There are several types of Lavani:
  • Most popular is the Shringarik (erotic) kind.

Source –  Indian Express