The Pawar family involved in repairing tablas in the Pernem market.
PERNEM
It has been fascinating to see, and hear, six members of a family busy repairing and fine-tuning tablas at a shop in Pernem market these days.
Since the past four decades, the Pawar family from Pandharpur in Solapur-Maharashtra has been residing in Pernem for two months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi on a special mission: to repair the several tablas from across the State.
A tradition which began with the late Mukesh Pawar has now been passed on to his wife, Meena, their son, Yogesh, his wife, Sonali and their three children, Prathamesh, Ganesh and Janvi.
Speaking to The Goan, Yogesh explained that his late father, Mukesh, began the four-decade-old tradition of travelling from Pandharpur to Pernem two months prior of Ganesh Chaturthi to repair the many tablas of artistes ahead of the festivities.
“This practice has continued with my mother, wife and I along with our three children. Besides repairing tablas, we also provide new instruments to musicians,” said Yogesh.
Yogesh sources the materials needed to repair the tables from Solapur area and rents a shop in Pernem market, where he and his family repair tablas of various shapes and sizes.
“While we are located in the Pernem market for two months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, we have customers from across Goa who come to us for repairs of their tablas. Some people also buy new tablas made by us,” said Yogesh.
His sons, who are in Stds 10 and 9, and daughter, who is in Std 8, also help the family in the repair of tablas.
“I seek permission from their schools to allow my children to study online for two months, while they are with us here in Goa. I want to involve my children actively in this work while they are also pursuing studies,” said Yogesh.
“After Ganesh Chaturthi, we leave Pernem and return to Pandharpur, where we are involved in this business round the year. So far, we have not received a single complaint from any of our numerous customers.”
Sonali got into the family business after her marriage.
“When my husband used to come to Goa to repair tablas, I would also accompany him. Now, I along with my minor children also repair tablas with the same passion,” said Sonali.
Meena expressed happiness that her late husband's craft has passed on to her son, daughter-in-law and her three grandchildren.
“If you provide good service to customers, they also pay you well and without any hesitation,” said Meena.
