Turha

Context (IE): The Election Commission has allotted the election symbol “Man Blowing Turha” to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar.

The turha is also pronounced and written as turhi, turahi, or turturi.
The instrument used to be made of bullock horns before metal became common.
It is usually played almost exclusively by men, the majority of whom have learnt the art over generations.

Historical significance of blowing of Turha

In an earlier age, the ceremonial blowing of the turha heralded the arrival of kings, nobles, and other high dignitaries.
In Maharashtra, the turha was a popular instrument in the court of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The tutari was played as a salute during the reign of the Adilshahi kings of Bijapur (1490-1686).
The blowing of the turha heralded the beginning of preparations for a significant journey or work, as well as of battle.
It was also blown to signal the beginning and the end of combat.

Today, the instrument is often used at weddings or other happy occasions, and at political rallies in Maharashtra.
The turha was blown as a rallying call at the farmers’ protest of 2020-21.
The instrument has featured on the Chhattisgarh float at the Republic Day parade and is played as a ritual musical instrument in Nepal and Sri Lanka as well.