Why is Durga Puja incomplete without traditional dhak sound?
The sound of the dhak isn't just a drumbeat — it's the heartbeat of Durga Puja. From nostalgia to spiritual connection, festival sounds like the dhak awaken powerful emotions and memories. Here's why this iconic rhythm touches the soul every festive season.
New Delhi: As Durga Puja approaches, one sound instantly transports Bengalis and devotees across India into festive mode — the deep, rhythmic beats of the dhak. The moment the drumsticks strike against its stretched hide, hearts race, nostalgia floods, and joy fills the air. But have you ever wondered why certain festival sounds, like the dhak during Durga Puja or temple bells during aarti, awaken such strong emotions?
The sound of the dhak is not just music; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a spiritual signal all at once. For centuries, its echo has announced the arrival of Maa Durga, marking the beginning of celebration and devotion. Science too has an answer — familiar festival sounds activate the brain’s emotional centres, connecting us to cultural roots, childhood experiences, and collective joy.
The dhak is a traditional Bengali drum, tied with ropes and played with wooden sticks. Its booming sound sets the rhythm for rituals like aarti, pushpanjali, and the famous Dhunuchi Naach. The dhakis (dhak players) are often the unsung heroes of Durga Puja, their beats guiding the flow of ceremonies and energizing devotees.
Festival sounds like the dhak, conch shells, or temple bells are deeply tied to cultural and emotional memory. They act as auditory cues that transport us back to festive atmospheres of the past, sparking nostalgia and joy. The steady rhythm of the dhak also mirrors the human heartbeat, naturally syncing with our emotions and creating a sense of connection. Spiritually, these sounds are said to cleanse the mind and prepare devotees for divine worship, making celebrations more immersive and meaningful.
The dhak reminds us that festivals are not just celebrated, they are felt — through sights, smells, and most powerfully, through sounds that stay with us for a lifetime.
The sound of the dhak is more than a festive drumbeat — it’s an emotional anchor that binds people to their roots, culture, and faith. Just as every festival has its signature aroma and flavour, its unique sounds create lasting emotional imprints. And as the dhak beats louder this Durga Puja, it will once again remind us why some sounds are timeless — because they touch not just the ears, but the soul.