Durga Puja: Rhythmic musical instruments in demand

Suvash and his son Gopal are busy meeting orders at their roadside shop. Photo: Star

Rhythmic musical instruments are selling well as Durga Puja is on in full swing. 

The makers of these instruments are busy trying to meet their orders.

Reazul Karim Aslam, proprietor of Nabab and Co, a prominent musical instrument shop of the town, says that business is better compared to last year.

Suvash Chandra Das, a maker of rhythmic instruments, adds that during the festivals of the Hindus including Durga Puja, business gathers momentum.

Buyers from adjacent districts like Jamalpur, Sherpur, Netrokona, Tangail, Kishoreganj and Gazipur come to Mymensingh town to pick up the musical instruments, says Suvash.

Musical instruments in great demand during  Puja and other  festivals are Bangla dhol, dhak (big drum), khol, dholok, dugi, khamok, naal, tabla and khonjori, adds Suvash.

As different rhythmic instruments including dhak and dhol are an integral part of Durga and Kali Puja, the demand for these instruments picks up during the festival, said Shankar Saha, organising secretary of Mymensingh Puja Celebration Committee. 

Quality wood, plastic drum, goat skin, cow and buffalo hide, bamboo and jute are used to make such rhythmic instruments, said Gopal Das, a young maker of instruments.

The  prices of these instruments are reasonable this year.

Ujjal Chandra Das, another young artiste of the town said, they are swamped with orders from in and outside the district.

The price of materials used to make rhythmic instruments has increased in recent years and the sale price has also increased, opening a new opportunity for artistes who follow their ancestral profession, young artiste Ujjal said.

Rhythmic musical instruments are also in demand in European countries including  England and Germany, said Arzu Perves, a tabla maestro and district cultural officer in Mymensingh.