The day one is represented by the colour grey. The featured image is of a dhaki or traditional drummers who perform during various festivals primarily in Bengal. The beats of the drum and rhythm has not changed for centuries. Dhakis train for about six months to sometimes years to achieve that level of expertise. Armed with a large drum hung around the shoulder, two different sizes sticks held with three fingers and that familiar sound which draws crowds to a pandal.
Playing of large drums is part of a tradition in many parts of the world, most of them being male dominated. Women are breaking stereotypes everywhere, same for dhakis. The drum or dhak as it is called and the attire of a dhaki is pretty simple. They decorate their drums with large white feathers. Recent times have seen the dhakis land in a controversy with the law for killing birds for their feathers.
But the real threat remains the onslaught of technology and the partly sum of money which they earn during performances. Today their demand is restricted only to the festive season. Dhakis today are no longer restricted to Bengal but are called to many places all over the country and even abroad. Their magic will go on as people will always find a spiritual connect with rhythm.
A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.
When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.
