Dholak Making - Ahmedabad, Gujarat
The Dholak (drum) gets associated with the percussion group of instruments and is one of the important musical instruments of India. It is mostly seen in northern parts. It is a well-known folk drum which appears to be in barrel shape with simple skin covering on the right and left hand sides. It looks similar to that of Dhol but comes in a smaller size comparatively. The instrument is widely used at the Lavani – a traditional song and dance form of Maharashtra, Punjabi folkloric dance music called bhangra and other dance forms in India. The high pitch rhythm that is produced make people experience an enthusiastic level and anyone and everybody would want to perform to the rhythm. In northern parts of India it becomes a must use instrument at occasions such as sangeet, traditional events and other singing competitions. The dholak is a simple assemble of a barrel shaped wood and leather sheets to the both sides of wood. Apart from India, other places such as Fiji Islands also use Dholak for Bhajans (sacred songs or hymns) and Kirtans (devotional songs), but the use of it is mostly seen in India.
Gujarat is rich for its culture and traditions, and Ahmedabad a district of Gujarat known for handicrafts with traditional and modern flairs. Among the traditional handicrafts practiced, Dholak making is seen in one of the areas of Ahmedabad called Geekantha. Most of the shops repair and indulge in making Dholaks, It comes in varied sizes depending on whether it is used by the adults or the children and by an experienced or a beginner. The wood used to make the shell is often sheesham and sometimes mango or jackfruit trees are used. A Dholak sometimes have traditional lacing or turn buckle tuning. In traditional lacing the rings with the skin is attached to barrel shaped wood with ropes and tied. The turn buckle tuning Dholak will have metal bolts where it’s tightened locking the rings. The Dholak can be slung or played placing it on the ground. On the occasions such as wedding and sangeeth a gang of relatives friends and others circle and sing along with this instrument. . It plays a key role to excite everyone and make them be a part of the celebration and also takes the whole celebration mood to a positive one. The orders for Dholak are high during festival seasons otherwise gets made for the traditional players needing it for their performance. Earlier the instrument is said to occupy a place of extensive respect. But in recent days the instrument is merely used in the field of folk and film music.
