Lezim

When a game is played to the rhythm of accompanying music, which may be only vocal or only instrumental or both, it acquires the character of a dance. Such a dance is Lezim prevalent in Maharashtra. The dance is named after a wooden idiophone to which is loosely fitted thin metal pieces that produces a sonorous sound when shaken by the dancers while dancing. It is a vigorous dance performed traditionally by men only. Various kinds of physical feats are performed in the dance. Since the dance is good for body building, it is not only practiced in gymnasiums but also in many schools of Maharashtra as drill. Earlier no song accompanied the dance and a Dholaki was providing the percussion music. Nowadays, at times, Ranbalgi, a kind of frame drum, with other kinds of indigenous drums like Varandi, and Ghumke, are being used with the dance. Specially written songs are also accompanying it.