Purulia (WB): Dhak, an indigenous musical instrument from Bengal and is hugely popular for its energetic rhythm during the days of Durga Puja.
The district Purulia is the home to many such Dhakis.
Paradda village under Balarampur police station of Purulia is also known as Dhaki village. But the Dhakis of the village are now facing a severe crisis due to nationwide lockdown followed by the COVID19 outbreak. They are not having any work for the last seven months.
Earlier, the dhakis of this village were called from different parts of the country, including Delhi along with different parts of the district and the state. But this year, the spread of coronavirus has been an obstacle for them.
So for the last seven months, dhakis are at home without any work. Many of them were hoping to have some work at Durga puja.
But till now they have not got a call from outside. So many of them are turning to other occupations instead of this hereditary profession.
Most of the Pujas of the district is going to be organized with a low budget. The dhakis are now worried about how to keep their profession on.
Handiram Kalindi, an old Dhaki from Pardda village, said, "I have been working in this profession since I was 12 years old. There was a time when there were calls for playing dhaks from different parts of the country. I have played the drums in many states, including Bihar and Jharkhand. I have taught this to my sons. "
"During Ganesh Puja, we used to have a good income. But this year everything has changed. No dhakis of the village have been called for any event for the last seven months due to coronavirus outbreak. It has been a complete shutdown down. Now we have been forced to play dhaks in low-budget pujas for Rs 400-500." he added.
Also Read: Baby restored to parents who sold her in Covid crisis
