Dhaakis playing their dhol-like drum at a market in CR Park. (All photos: Ahona Semgupta)
Durga Puja is synonymous with the beat of the dhaak, without which, the festival is incomplete. Those who play the quintessential instrument are known as dhaakis.
The dhaak is a huge membranophone instrument that people hang around their necks and play with two thin sticks to infuse the frenzied rhythm into listeners.
In Delhi, dhaakis arrived from different parts of Delhi on Thursday – the fourth day since Mahalaya.
With their arrival, dhaakis quickly moved to different pandals at CR Park to set the tune for Durga Puja. The air was filled with the rhythm of the festival.
Also read: The Goddess is coming
Durga Puja, widely observed by the Hindu communities in the eastern part of India, is the largest festival celebrated by Bengalis. It is a five-day long festival of lights and drums, coupled with meat and fish delicacies spread out in food stalls inside the pandals where Goddess Durga sits with her five children, in pomp and glory.
This year, celebrations are more special for its grand comeback after two years of hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic. Residents around thee pandals are gearing up to dance to the beats of the dhaak (Bengali drum), recitals, drama, live shows, dhunuchi dance (holding clay bowls filled with coconut husks and burning charcoal) and devour exemplary food during the five days of Durga puja.
Dhaakis arrive from West Bengal’s West Medinipur
A group of dhaakis wait at a bus stop with their dhaaks and luggage in CR Park before they leave for their respective pandals.
Dhaakis play their dhaak inside CR Park market 1 to kickstart the festival
People watch with ecstasy as dhaakis play the maddening beats
As shopkeeper records a video as dhaakis play in front of his shop
Dhaakis proceed towards the Kali temple in CR Park market 1.
A dhaaki takes a water break as others continue.
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