Pune | September 8, 2026
Pune dhol-tasha health checks conducted ahead of the city’s Ganeshotsav season have found health issues in about two of every 10 performers screened so far, according to the Dhol-Tasha Pathak Federation and doctors involved in the campaign.
More than 2,500 performers have been examined in the initiative, which is being conducted in phases across the city’s dhol-tasha groups. Doctors reported cases involving unsatisfactory haemoglobin levels, higher body-fat levels and vitamin deficiencies among those screened.
The campaign has been organised by the Pune city committee of the Dhol-Tasha Federation in collaboration with Sahyadri Saraswati Karad Hospital. The examinations include blood tests, haemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts, vitamin B and D assessments, height, weight and blood-group tests.
The federation said the programme is being expanded this year to cover performers from all groups in Pune. The city has around 170 dhol-tasha groups, and organisers estimate that approximately 15,000 performers are part of the wider exercise. The screenings are being carried out in stages.
Parents of performers are also being examined. Doctors involved in the campaign said health issues were found in approximately 30% to 35% of the parents screened, although the report did not provide a detailed breakdown of the conditions identified in that group.
The health initiative also includes emergency-response training for performers. The Pune branch of the Indian Medical Association is conducting CPR training under its ‘Sanjeevani’ programme, which began on August 16. More than 800 dhol-tasha performers are expected to participate, said Dr Alka Kshirsagar, president of the association’s Pune branch.
The federation said the screenings are intended to increase health awareness among performers and support their wellbeing during intensive practice and festival processions. The remaining examinations will continue in phases, according to federation representatives.
