The Marathi word “चावडी” (pronounced as “chawri” or “chavadi”) usually refers to a small community space/ building or a village administrative office or a local government building. In rural areas of Maharashtra, a chavadi serves as a place where various administrative and community activities are conducted.

It often also serves as a meeting place for village elders and local leaders to discuss matters related to the village’s welfare, governance and local politics. Chawri’s exact meaning and usage also varies depending on the context and region within Maharashtra.

A living cultural phenomenon

It holds significant cultural and social importance for Marathi villages. It represents a multi-functional structure that plays a key role in the life of rural communities.

Chawri traditionally served as a local administrative office acting as a place for local governance in many villages of the state.

It has played an important role in preserving and promoting traditional Marathi culture. It is often used as a venue for cultural events, festivals, rituals and traditional performances like folk dances and music.

A reminder of connection

Chawri fosters social cohesion within the village. It provides a space where villagers from diverse backgrounds can interact, share experiences and build strong social bonds. This sense of community helps in addressing common issues and challenges in their day-to-day life.

Often seen as a symbol of local identity and pride, it represents unique traditions, customs and governance systems of each village in Maharashtra. The architecture and design of chawri often reflect the local architectural style, making it an integral part of the village’s heritage.

In some regions of Maharashtra, chawri may also be used for educational purposes, serving as a temporary classroom or a space for informal learning activities, especially in villages where formal educational infrastructure is limited.

The lead image at the top is one of the winning entries of Village Square’s photo competition, October 2023, submitted by Rahul Godase from Solapur, Maharashtra.