BD Runner:-
Barisal Septe 25: The artisans of making musical instruments including dhak-dhol are spending a busy time in Barisal ahead of the upcoming Autumn Durga Puja. However, they demanded loan assistance as they did not make much profit due to the increase in the price of raw materials. Barisal District Social Service Officer said that various initiatives are being taken to advance economically those involved in this profession.
Durga Puja means joy. And one of the instruments of this joy is various musical instruments including Dhak-Dhol. So the artisans of the district are busy making these musical instruments. Artisans are making different kinds of lids by cutting hard wood from dawn till night. These musical instruments are going to different districts of the division including Dhaka to meet the needs of their own districts. However, many people are losing interest in this profession due to the increase in the price of necessary materials.
A visit to the bazaar road shops near Baklar Mor in the city showed that the main attraction of the autumn festival is the dhak. And so the craftsmen and Dhakis are spending the busiest time in Barisal to make and repair the Dhak,
In view of the Autumn Durgo Festival, the craftsmen are busy making all kinds of sound instruments, starting from Dhak. And just a few days later, around Durga Puja, the main and biggest religious festival of the Hindus, the musicians playing the dhaka and the dhaka makers and workers are now working day and night to deliver the Dhaka ordered from various music parties on time.
In this regard, the city’s Bazar Road ‘Tabla Bhuban’, Prof. Shri Shambhu Das and ‘Tal Tarang’ Prof. Mr. Montu Das said that hundreds of workers or artisans have been making their livelihood by making Dhak Badya and playing Dhak for ages. Even today’s modern age has not eradicated the ancient practice of covering. Especially Durga Puja really increases the demand of Dhak to a great extent. So the artisans and workers of making Dhak are now spending busy time. In almost every religious ceremony of the Hindu community during the 12 months, the drumming is the main attraction of the event. And without the music (sound) of Dhak, no ceremony of Hindus, including the Durg Puja ceremony, accumulates.
Shambhu Das and Montu Das said that they have been engaged in this profession for the past 50 years. Their forefathers have been making Dhak and other musical instruments. At present it costs them about 9 thousand to 12 thousand taka to make a medium type of cover. And they are selling it for 14 thousand to 16 thousand taka. On the occasion of Durga Puja, they have already received several orders for making and repairing new covers.
Shambhu Das also said that he is living comfortably with his family by making and repairing Dhak and other musical instruments in a family of four members. But compared to the last two years, this year the order for making Dak is much better.
In this context, former vice president of Barisal Press Club, Biren Samaddar said, the main attraction of the autumn festival is Dhak. As the evening progressed, the pujamandaps became resplendent with the music of Dhaka. Just by hearing the sound of dhaka, it can be understood that the religious and cultural program has started in front of the temple.
Journalist Biren Samddar also said that although Dhak-dhol music is essential in worship, the tradition of Dhak is getting lost due to the influence of sound system. Besides, the prices of various materials including wood and leather have increased. As a result, the makers of musical instruments are not seeing much profit now.’
Talking about this, Barisal District Assistant Social Welfare Director Jaber Ahmed said that apart from worship, Dhak-dhol and musical instruments are mixed with Bengali and Bengali culture. However, there is still the importance of Dhak-dhol in worship. There is no substitute for Dhak-Dhol in Puja Aarti. So at this time of the year, the Dhol-dhol artisans have a busy time. Efforts are being made to take necessary measures to provide all kinds of support to these artisans or artists.
25.09.24
