The arrival of Durga Puja, the most significant religious festival for Bengali traditionalists, has been heralded by Mahalaya. Now, people are eagerly anticipating the rhythmic beats of the Dhak, a unique musical instrument on the subcontinent.
People of all ages will dance to the sound of the Dhak at every Puja Mandap (pavillion) throughout the country from the sixth day of the biggest religious festivity of the Hindu community to the 10th day when the immersion of the idols is conducted.
Dhak is also an essential element of other Puja festivities and Kirtan (religious music shows) that take place throughout the year.
Over time, the demand for and use of Dhak have come down sharply, threatening the livelihood of the Dhak craftsmen.
What is Dhak?
The Dhak is a massive membranophone instrument found in India and Bangladesh. Its shape can vary from almost cylindrical to barrel-like, and the method of stretching the hide over the frame and lacing it varies as well.
Playing the Dhak is a skill that demands patience and practice and is typically passed down through generations.
The Dhak's sounds symbolize the welcome of Goddess Durga and convey the joy and happiness that radiate throughout the festivities.
How are Dhak craftsmen doing?
The Shankhari Bazar area in the capital is home to several century-old musical instrument shops.
While various musical instruments are sold throughout the year, during Durga Puja, these craftsmen are usually busy making and repairing Dhak and Dhol, both essential accessories for the Puja.
Dhakis (the individuals who professionally play the Dhak) from the capital and surrounding districts usually flock to these shops to repair their Dhaks or purchase new ones.
However, this year paints a different picture in Dhaka's shops. Mahalaya used to mark the beginning of a bustling period for them, but this year there's a noticeable absence of Dhakis seeking their services. These Dhak craftsmen find themselves waiting for buyers.
Uttam Sur, owner of Adi Badya Bhandar, shared that his family has been in the profession of making Dhaks for three generations.
He has personally been crafting Dhak covers for 25 years. But this time, the demand for Dhak is exceptionally low. Typically, he sells around 5-6 Dhaks every year and repairs 15-20 or more. This year, however, he has sold only one Dhak and repaired three.
Gopal Das, owner of New Badya Bhandare and a Dhak craftsman, recounted that 4-5 years ago, he used to sell 12-14 Dhaks during this season. Last year, he sold six, but only two this year.
“Even the larger Dhaks were left unsold. During this period, we usually anticipate an influx of Dhak orders, but this year, the demand has dwindled,” he said.
Reason behind drop in demand
When asked about the reason, the craftsmen pointed to the rising cost of materials and its impact on the Puja's mood.
Durga Puja, being a grand celebration for traditional religious followers, incurs significant costs, and the number of Puja mandaps this year is lower due to economic constraints.
Furthermore, Dhakis are focusing on repairing their existing Dhaks due to the expenses associated with making new ones.
Uttam Kumar of New Badya Bhandar said that the high cost of materials has dissuaded many Puja committees from celebrating this time. Therefore, the sales of Dhaks have been meager, and even the Dhakis themselves are reluctant to spend extra on repairs.
He added that the primary clientele for Dhak craftsmen is the Dhakis themselves. However, playing the Dhak during Puja can cost a Dhaki around Tk20,000-30,000, covering expenses like food and drink for 5-6 days. In addition to Durga Puja, there are other festivals like Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja that require additional funds, totaling Tk80,000-90,000 annually.
As a result, Puja committees are now buying their own Dhaks, and younger individuals are taking up Dhak playing. They have limited knowledge of Dhak repair, contributing to the decline in repair work.
Role of modern sound system
Regarding whether modern sound systems have impacted the popularity of the Dhak, Saha, a Dhak craftsman, emphasized that the Dhak is an integral component of Durga Puja.
Worship is incomplete without it, and tradition dictates its use. Regardless of modern sound systems, the Dhak cover will always have its place.
Juran Das, another Dhak craftsman, said that the Dhak remains central to worship and will endure. It has been an essential part of generations' worth of worship practices and will continue to be so in the future.
Different types of Dhaks
The craftsmen explained that there are primarily three sizes of Dhak covers available in Shankharibazar: small, medium, and large, ranging from Tk10,000-12,000, Tk15,000-18,000, and Tk20,000-26,000, respectively.
These Dhaks are crafted from various woods, including mahogany, mango, and neem, which are sourced from Manikganj district. Depending on the shape, it takes the craftsmen 2-3 days to create a Dhak.
Turya Debnath, vice president of the religious youth organization Shatadal Bikash Club, emphasized that the primary attraction of Durga Puja is the Dhak.
The Puja pavilions shine with the music of the Dhak, and many have cherished memories of being immersed in its melodies. The Dhak's sound is a clear sign that the goddess has arrived, and it remains an essential part of the Durga Puja tradition, he added.
