UNiverso Gaurang I. (Thanekar) calls himself an ‘Indian Bonner’ with a playful ‘wink’. Born in Mumbai, the largest city in India, his academic journey led him to Germany and the beautiful Rhineland in 2016. After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in his native India, he pursued further education at the International University (IU) in Bad Honnef and the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. He is currently completing his PhD at the Politecnico di Milano. Gaurang is multilingual: he speaks Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Sanskrit, English, German and some Spanish. He lives in Bad Godesberg with his partner and their miniature schnauzers.

Gaurang’s enthusiasm for carnival was sparked during his active participation in UNiverso Stephan’s team last season. He views carnival as a celebration that unites people, no matter where they come from. ‘Bonn shows that integration is not only possible, but also fun and enriches us all.’

UNiverso Gaurang’s Attire and the Orden Lanyards

Universo Gaurang’s outfit is a traditional Indian Peshwai men’s outfit, originating in his
home state Maharashtra. The outfit refers to the traditional attire worn by men during the Peshwa era of the Maratha Empire (1674–1818), particularly during the 18th century. This style is characterized by elegance, comfort, and functionality, reflecting the martial and administrative roles of the Peshwas while also adhering to cultural and social norms of the time. It’s a timeless representation of local heritage and today, is often worn for special occasions and formal events.

Key Elements of the Peshwai Men’s Outfit

1. Angarkha (Traditional Tunic)
   • A long, flowing garment that resembled a coat or tunic.
   • Typically made of fine cotton or silk, depending on the occasion and social status.
2. Dhotar (Dhoti)
   • A long piece of unstitched cloth, draped in a specific manner around the waist and legs.
   • Usually made from fine cotton or silk, in shades of white, cream, or earthy tones.
3. Tilak Pagdi (Turban)
   • A distinctive turban worn on the head, symbolizing honor and status.
   • Richer fabrics like silk were used, and the turban might be adorned with jewels or brooches.
4. Shela (Stole or Scarf)
   • A decorative stole draped over the shoulder or wrapped around the upper body.
   • Made of silk or cotton and sometimes embroidered with zari (gold or silver thread).
5. Footwear
   • Men wore traditional leather sandals or mojris (ornate footwear) with intricate patterns.
6. Jewelry and Accessories
   • Wealthy men or Peshwas often adorned themselves with jewelry, such as necklaces, rings, armlets, and earrings.

Fabric and Colors:

• Cotton was the primary fabric for daily wear, as it suited the tropical climate.
• For formal occasions, silk and brocade were preferred.
• Colors ranged from muted tones like whites and creams for daily wear to vibrant hues like red, saffron, and green for ceremonial events.

Lanyards

The lanyards were especially hand painted for the purpose of holding the UN Funken carnival Orden. Each lanyard is unique in motif and colors of paint.

Warli painting is a traditional tribal art form practiced by the Warli tribe, an indigenous
group primarily residing in the Maharashtra and Gujarat regions of India. Characterized by its monochromatic use of white pigment on earthy red backgrounds, Warli art depicts scenes of daily life, agricultural activities, and the natural environment using geometric shapes.

This art form dates back to around 2,500-3,000 BC, and it serves as a visual narrative of
Warli culture, emphasizing community harmony and their symbiotic relationship with nature. Traditionally created on mud walls during festivals and rituals, Warli paintings reflect the tribe’s rich heritage and spiritual beliefs.