The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the decision to allocate the image of a man playing the ‘tutari’ as the election symbol for the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has stirred concerns among the traditional tutari musicians. With the model code of conduct in effect due to the upcoming general elections, these musicians are anxious about the potential decline in their services’ demand, particularly during the wedding season which aligns with the electoral timetable.
Jaisingh Holiye, a provider of tutari players for various functions, expressed his worries about the adverse impact of the election timing on their business. Tutari, a traditional crescent-shaped instrument, holds cultural significance, traditionally played to signal the arrival of dignitaries or at celebratory occasions like weddings.
However, this year, tutari players like Baburao Gurav are uncertain about their engagement in political and familial events due to the instrument’s association with the NCP’s election symbol. The concern is that political affiliations might deter other parties from hiring tutari musicians for rallies, while families might reconsider their inclusion in weddings to avoid any perceived political bias.
The musicians are navigating a delicate situation, willing to perform if all parties at an event consent, yet ready to cease their performance should any objections arise. This uncertainty underscores the intricate balance between cultural traditions and political symbolism in India.
The division within the NCP, leading to the emergence of two factions and the subsequent allocation of new symbols by the Election Commission, has inadvertently placed traditional tutari players in a predicament, highlighting the unforeseen consequences of political decisions on cultural practices.