From the archive record
The maddening beats of dhak played by a group of men who are popularly known as Dhakis would never fail to bring you to the festive mood of Durga Puja. As the 'dhakis' play the dhak the crowd including various parts start enjoying it and clicking pictures. Carrying huge dhaks over their shoulders they play the dhak with their sticks frivolously going around in circles with excitement and enthusiasm. The dhak is a huge membranophone instrument from South Asia. The shapes differ from the almost cylindrical to the barrel. The manner of stretching the hide over the mouths and lacing also varies. It suspended from the neck, tied to the waist and kept on the lap or the ground, and usually played with wooden sticks. The left side is coated to give it a heavier sound. Drum beats are an integral p