Ovi Ovi Gumphali: Celebrating Marathi Language Day

Concept & Presentation: Dhanashree Lele
Supported by Preeti Nimkar Joshi, Aditi Prabhudesai, Avanti Lele, Pranav Haridas, Kaustubh Divekar
Music Arrangement: Vikram Muzumdar

(Event to be presented in Marathi)

An NCPA presentation

In association with Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra

Marathi, like many other languages, is endowed with a rich vocabulary. Oral tradition associated with it also shows a wealth of literary forms. Ovi is one such form used as a medium of expression, mainly by the so-called “illiterate” women folk while they engaged in the drudgery of household chores. Couched in most appropriate words capable of expressing finer shade of emotions, the verses of ovi are meant to unequivocally state the Universal truth in a simplest manner. Moreover, plain yet sonorous tunes to which they are set, make mesmerising impact on listeners. Today, while many Marathi words are going out of vogue from colloquial usage, the ovi literature seems to still retain some priceless age-old expressions.

Dhanashree Lele is an impressive orator, award-winning author, scriptwriter and multilingual compere renowned for her scholarship in Sanskrit literature and spiritual subjects.

Organised on the occasion of Marathi bhasha divas, this event aims to showcase a range of literary forms from the oral-tradition of Maharashtra. Besides presenting some ovis with their original tunes, the event will also feature allied forms like bhavgeet, bhaktigeet etc., including a few that have been used in Marathi films.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 6.20pm.