Monday, 27 August 2012

The Dholak

--> The dholak or dholaki is a two-headed hand drum, typically North Indian but popular across India, Pakistan and Nepal.The drum is usually played from the lap while the player is seated, or, when the player is standing, slung from the shoulder or hip. 

Often the drum is made from sheeshan wood but, mango and even coconut palm are also used in cheaper versions.

A master dholak player will oftentimes sing or chant along with his drumming and often plays the lead role in performances. Children across India have grown up with the dholak being played at weddings and other events, singing and dancing to the beat of the dholak. 

At Mewsic we aim to encourage a passion for traditional instruments, such as the dholak, alongside a love for more modern instruments (like guitar) - keeping alive the cultural traditions of the communities in which we operate.