Palghar

Padma Shri awardee and renowned tarpa wind instrument player Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda was felicitated by the Palghar Zilla Parishad on Wednesday.

Dhinda, a 92-year-old Warli tribal artist from Palghar district, was conferred the Padma Shri 2026 for his outstanding contribution to folk music spanning more than seven decades. He is regarded as a master practitioner and custodian of the tarpa, a traditional wind instrument integral to the cultural life of tribal communities in Maharashtra.

Speakers at the felicitation ceremony said Dhinda’s achievement has not only brought pride to Palghar district but has also enhanced the stature of Maharashtra’s rich folk art tradition, according to an official release.

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Palghar Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Manoj Ranade said the government’s monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000 for senior writers and artists has proved beneficial, helping them meet their day-to-day needs.