DHAKI @ DURGA PUJA
Dhakis are traditional drummers who play the Dhak (drum) during Devi Pujas, primarily in Durga Puja. Durga Puja does not assume the festive aura without the maddening beats of the dhak, the large drum that men hang around their shoulder and play with two Kathis (sticks) to infuse the frenzied rhythm into listeners. Those enchanting beats are enough to conjure up the sights and smells of Durga Puja.
The nuances of playing the instrument are handed down from generation to generation, but the old rhythms are undergoing changes. Earlier, different beats were used for specific aspects of Durga Puja, as for example Bodhon (Invocation), Kola Bou-Snan, Chakshu Daan (Eye presentation), Sandhi Puja (worshiping at the conjunction), Bolidaan (Sacrifice), Visarjan (Immersion), Sandhya Arati and so on.
Dhaki comes from different parts of Bengal and gather in front of Shialdah Railway Station where they perform their skills. They all dressed in different costumes and with decorated drums. Organizer of different puja committee comes and select them after a bit of bargaining and negotiation. West Bengal Government, under their e-Bangla initiative provided list of Dhakis in their website like:
www.north24parganas.gov.in, www.uttardinajpur.gov.in
Digital Durga Puja is in the process of preparing a Directory of Dhakis for all type of rituals and Puja. If interested, join us.
