As the countdown to Durga Puja begins, the sound of the dhak once again fills neighbourhoods with anticipation and joy. In Kalyanpur Block’s Bazar Colony village, 32‑year‑old Bikram Kar is among those preparing to bring the festive spirit alive with his drumbeats. For him, the dhak is not just an instrument—it is a way of life, a family tradition, and a source of livelihood.

Bikram has been playing the dhak for nearly 18 years, learning the art from his mentor Shibu Rishi Das. He says the puja season offers him a rare opportunity for additional income, though the earnings are not enough to sustain his family throughout the year. 

“I play the dhak both out of necessity and passion. During Puja, the calls come from different places—sometimes for a single day, sometimes for several days. The pay has improved compared to earlier, but it is still not sufficient to run a household for the whole year,” he explained.

This year, Bikram has already received invitations to perform outside Tripura. He will travel to Haflong in Assam, where he is contracted to play for five days during Durga Puja, earning Rs 1.13 lakh. 

Such opportunities, he says, are crucial for sustaining his family and keeping the tradition alive. “Every year I go outside Tripura during Puja for better income. At home, I play at weddings, local functions, and even in jatra performances. The dhak has become both my profession and my identity,” he added.

For Bikram and many others, dhak playing is a hereditary craft, passed down through generations. While the demand peaks during Puja, the rest of the year often requires them to take up other jobs or perform at smaller events to make ends meet. Yet, despite the challenges, the joy of seeing pandals resonate with the sound of their drums makes the effort worthwhile.

When the dhak beats rise in synchrony with conch shells and chants, the festive atmosphere reaches its peak. For the drummers, those moments bring not only pride but also a sense of belonging to Bengal’s timeless cultural heritage.

Even in the age of electronic music and modern sound systems, the dhak remains an indispensable part of Durga Puja celebrations. The instrument’s deep, resonant rhythm is seen as the heartbeat of the festival, symbolising continuity of tradition. 

Bikram believes that keeping this art alive is his responsibility: “Our aim is to preserve this craft. The dhak is not just sound—it is culture, it is emotion.”