Dhakis (Dhak players) have always played an important role in the traditional festivals of West Bengal. The sound of Dhak used to make the atmosphere devotional during Durga Puja, Kali Puja and other religious events. But due to modernity and changing lifestyle, this ancient art of playing Dhak is slowly disappearing.
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Most of the Dhak artists come from rural areas of districts like Murshidabad, Hooghly, Malda, Bankura and Purulia in West Bengal. Many of them are farmers or masons, who make a living by doing small jobs throughout the year and hope to earn extra money by playing Dhak during the festive season.
Tapas Das, 34, a Dhaki from Murshidabad, says –
“Our ancestors started this tradition and it became a part of their life. But now the situation has become very bad. It is not possible to survive by playing dhak alone.”
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Das, a weaver by profession, has come with four members of his family to play dhak during Durga Puja. He says his father had already foreseen the situation and started weaving sarees to earn a livelihood.