Lavani comprise of the elements of both, a traditional song and a folk dance. The dance is performed to the beats of 'Dholak', a drum like instrument, mainly by women. It is a wonder how these women, being draped in heavy nine-yard saris, manage to perform the dance movements with such elegance. In the earliest days, the dance form was used to highlight the various aspects of the society like religion, politics, romance, etc. In the 18th and 19th century, it came to be performed to entertain as well as motivate the tired soldiers of Maratha battle. Today, it is performed by people as a part of celebrations.
The name of the dance is derived from the word “Lavanya” meaning beauty. It is a traditional dance which is performed to the enchanting beats of Dholak-a drum like musical instrument. Attractive women dressed with nine-yard saris and ornaments perform the dance with the vivacious beats of the traditional music. During Maratha Period the dance was used to entertain the tired soldiers. The dance has been popularized by the poets like Honaji Bala, Ramjoshi and Prabhakar.