THANE

Warli paintings are a distinctive form of folk art practiced by the Warli community, who primarily reside in parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Known for their striking simplicity and deep meaning, these paintings are traditionally created on the mud walls of homes for sacred or celebratory occasions. Warli art is closely tied to rituals of life, births, weddings, harvest festivals, worship ceremonies, and is seen as a way of invoking goodwill from their Devis and Devtas.

The process begins with smearing walls with a mixture of cow dung, followed by a layer of gheru (red mud) to provide a textured background. The iconic white paint is made from rice flour mixed with water or milk, and twigs serve as brushes to create intricate designs. Composed of geometric forms like circles, triangles, and lines, these paintings often depict scenes of community life, including farming, marriages, dances, and hunting. While red and yellow may sometimes be introduced using sindoor (vermilion) and turmeric, pure white is considered sacred, reserved for religious events and ritual spaces.

The recognition of Warli art beyond its traditional setting began in the 1970s, largely through the efforts of Bhaskar Kulkarni, an officer in the Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Promotion Council. It was Kulkarni who introduced Jivya Soma Mashe, a talented Warli artist, to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and other cultural leaders in Delhi. Jivya’s innovative work helped bring Warli art national recognition, reshaping it from a ritual practice to a celebrated art form.

As urbanization spread and markets expanded, Warli artists began painting on paper using poster colors, moving beyond traditional wall paintings. Inspired by Jivya’s unique vision, many artists started to sell their works, offering depictions of nature, everyday life, and community rituals to wider audiences. Over time, Warli designs found new expression in craft and commerce, appearing on textiles, bedsheets, home décor, and accessories. The art form also gained popularity among students and young artists, who have adopted it as a measure of indigenous creativity.

In 2011, Warli art was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, formally recognizing its cultural significance and local origins. Today, Warli artists exhibit their work internationally, including at platforms like the renowned Santa Fe Folk Art Market in the USA, ensuring that this ancient tradition continues to adapt, evolve, and reach new audiences while retaining its deep-rooted cultural identity.

The textile industry has historically played a major role in the growth of Thane district, particularly in towns like Bhiwandi, which became known for its dense network of powerlooms. For decades, it supported a large workforce, including skilled weavers and migrant workers from across Maharashtra and beyond. Thane is also home to the headquarters of Raymond Ltd, one of India’s leading textile brands, which began as a small woollen mill in 1925 and went on to become a major name in the industry.

In recent years, however, the sector has faced significant challenges. Rising input costs, lack of modernisation, and policy changes like the introduction of GST have made it difficult for many small and medium-scale weaving units to continue. These struggles, particularly in the powerloom hubs, have been highlighted by workers and local stakeholders seeking better infrastructure and support.

The Upvan Arts Festival is one of Thane’s most popular cultural events. It takes place at the beautiful Upvan Lake and brings together more than 300 artists from across India and other countries. The festival showcases many types of art, including music, dance, painting, and more.

The Upvan Arts Festival brings together many forms of art in one place. It features music, dance, painting, sculpture, digital art, food, and folk art.

The Thane Festival is one of India’s biggest and most popular art festivals, held every year. It began in 2015, with renowned Warli artist Padma Shri Jivya Soma Mashe at the opening ceremony. The festival draws thousands of visitors, art lovers, and performers, making it a key cultural event in the region. The festival showcases over 500 paintings across 22,500 sq. ft. of gallery space, including a special section with works by great artists like S.M. Pandit and Picasso. There are also 3 large stages where well-known performers like Swapnil Bandodkar and Rahul Deshpande entertain the crowds.

Rangayatan is equipped with modern facilities, including a spacious stage, advanced lighting and sound systems, and comfortable seating, making it an ideal venue for a variety of performances. Over the years, it has hosted numerous plays and cultural programs, continuing to be a key center for the performing arts in Thane.

Started in 2016, Manorang is a lively theatre group based in Thane and Mumbai. It offers a mix of plays, including emotional dramas and light comedies, performed in Hindi, Marathi, and English. The group aims to connect with audiences of all kinds through a variety of shows.

Manorang also provides a friendly space for theatre lovers to learn and grow. Through workshops and stage performances, members can improve their skills and express their creativity. The group has a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere, like a family, and is focused on guiding and supporting the next generation of theatre artists.

Thane Kala Bhavan is a prominent art gallery in Thane, established by the Thane Municipal Corporation and inaugurated on February 26, 2009. Spanning 16,000 sq. ft. across three floors, the gallery makes use of both natural and electric lighting to create an inviting exhibition environment. Architecturally, the building stands out for its distinctive design, round on the inside but appearing cone-shaped from the outside, offering a 360-degree viewing experience.

The venue houses four dedicated exhibition spaces, each accommodating 25 to 30 exhibits, providing ample scope for artists to present their work. Along with the galleries, Thane Kala Bhavan includes a conference hall, a reading library, and a workshop hall, making it a dynamic hub for cultural activities. Recognized as the ‘Art Destination of Thane,’ this striking structure is located near Ghodbunder Road.

Sandeep More is the founder of Manorang Theatre Group in Thane, and a trained writer, actor, and creative director. With a passion for theater, he has directed and performed original plays through his group. Sandeep pursued formal training at Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares and Nadira Zaheer Babbar’s Ekjute Theatre Group.

In addition to his work as a performer, Sandeep is an acting coach and conducts theater workshops for aspiring actors and enthusiasts. He has mentored over 500 students, nurturing emerging talent within the theater community. With more than twelve years of experience, Sandeep has participated in over 100 shows across India, performing at renowned venues and continually building his expertise in the world of theater.

Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar is an artist from Thane known for making eco-friendly makhar (decorations) for Ganesh Chaturthi using traditional saris. He grew up around Ganpati artisans and learned how to paint and decorate murtis, which led him to start his own business, Sarvangi Arts, focusing on Ganpati decorations.

For the past seven years, Sandesh has combined his love for Maharashtrian culture with care for the environment. His makhars come in ten unique designs and are made using traditional saris like Ilkal and Paithani.

Sandesh Shankar Gaonkar started exploring eco-friendly materials after the ban on thermocol decorations. “There weren’t many affordable options back then. Real flower decorations were too expensive, so I kept thinking of better, eco-friendly alternatives,” he shared in an interview with The Better India. All the materials Sandesh uses are either reusable or recyclable, from the saris to the metal pipes; he ensures nothing goes to waste or ends up in landfills.

His unique and sustainable approach has gained attention not just in Maharashtra or India, but also from customers in the USA, Canada, and Australia. Each decoration set includes a stand, umbrella, two inflatable pillows (for easy packing), a cloth for the Ganpati murti, and a backdrop, all under 4 kg in weight and made for easy international shipping.