• R SRINIVASAN

This is a study about Dhak –a percussion instrument (Membranophone/Avanadha in Sanskrit) (large hollow wooden barrel with the middle portion looking bulgy) used in West Bengal during Durga Puja and other pujas. It is relevant to understand this dying art under study as it is economically unviable for the players to continue as it is not remunerative and the business is occasional. Notwithstanding the fact that there is a famous proverb in West Bengal “bharo mashey tero parbon” (which means in 12 months in a year there are 13 religious functions) the percussion players are not given opportunities except in few religious festivals or functions namely Durga puja or Kali puja et al. We can call them as “Season time” but during “off season”, the percussion players engage themselves in part time employment or daily labour or do farming. They mostly come from the districts as they cannot afford urban expensive living. By reading this paper one would understand the plight of some of these talented economically backward “Musicians” if I may say so.

Dhak, Durga puja,Kali puja, jagadhatri puja,viswakarma puja,Dhak by women

"A Study Of “Dhak”-A Percussion Instrument widely used in the State of West Bengal during Durga Puja and other pujas and their present scenario.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.234-239, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907H38.pdf

"A Study Of “Dhak”-A Percussion Instrument widely used in the State of West Bengal during Durga Puja and other pujas and their present scenario.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp234-239, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907H38.pdf