A community percussion troupe in Charlotte — we all learn together, and newcomers are always welcome.
We are a community dhol–tasha group (Indian festival percussion) based in the Charlotte area. We play together at cultural events and festivals. Everyone is learning — we genuinely enjoy the process of learning together, and we would love to learn alongside you.
Register at attendance.shivasya.org, then just come to a practice — any Tuesday or Thursday at 7 PM. That is all it takes to get started.
Everyone is welcome — children, teenagers, and adults, and yes, women participate too. No experience is needed. Families are welcome to join and learn together. (A 13-year-old is a perfect age to start.)
Yes. We are all learning along the way, so beginners fit right in. When you come, we will help you find a role and put you with an instrument to try.
Hindu Center of Charlotte (Vihar Hall), 7400 City View Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212.
Twice a week — Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 7:00 PM.
From 7:00 to 8:30 PM — about an hour and a half.
No. Our season runs May through October, around the festival season. If you join partway through, you can still start learning right away — you do not have to wait for the next season.
A commitment to attend the twice-weekly practices (Tuesday and Thursday). Consistency is what matters most — both for your own learning and for earning a spot in performances.
There are many roles, so there is a place for everyone. You can play the big Dhol, Tasha, Zanj (hand cymbals), Taal (gong), Lezim, Lathi Kathi, Tutari, carry the Dhwaj (flag) or Abdagir, and more. Pick a role that fits you and be part of the team.
Members buy their own instrument — we do not keep an inventory or loaners. You have a few options:
This is a non-commercial activity, only meant to help you obtain the material. If you can get it from your own source, that is the preferred option — please do. The one item you cannot buy outside is the Shivasya jacket, which is custom-made for the group.
No need to buy first. Come to a practice, and we will help you find the right role and give you something to try. Once you know where you fit, then buy your own instrument.
For performances, the costume is a white kurta, jeans, sneakers, a pheta (turban), and the Shivasya jacket. Girls sometimes wear a nauvari saree with a pheta instead.
The Shivasya jacket is custom-made and ordered through the group; the rest you can arrange on your own. There is no rush on your first day.
Yes — you can absolutely participate. To perform in an event, you first need to attend a number of practices. The app tracks your attendance and shows whether you are eligible for each event.
If you join mid-season, performing this year may not be guaranteed — but you can join, learn, and be part of the team right away.
We perform during the festival season — events such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Festival of India (FOI), Navratri, and more. Some fall on the same weekend, so check the Events tab in the app for the current schedule and to RSVP, and keep those weekends free.
Log in to attendance.shivasya.org — each event shows your eligibility based on how many practices you have attended.
It is our member app. Once you register and sign the waiver, you can:
Practices are a community activity. Your instrument and costume are self-purchased — buy your own from India, from another member, or through the app. The only group-made item is the custom Shivasya jacket. There is no inventory; the group only helps you obtain the material.
Yes. Shivasya is a non-profit, community-run group.
Yes. Students earn service (seva) hours for the community work they take part in — teaching or helping others learn their skill, and service such as food drives, the 5K run, clean-up drives, and any other seva or service opportunities they join.
Once the hours are done, you can request a service-hours certificate through the app.
Register, then come to any Tuesday or Thursday practice at 7 PM.
Register at attendance.shivasya.org