Rhythmic instrument makers in demand
Traditionally winter is the peak season for cultural programmes and other events. Only naturally, orders for new rhythmic instruments and repair work continue pouring in till spring, said some instrument makers of the town while talking to this correspondent.
The orders for repairs of their musical instruments come from various professional jatra and drama troupes who await the busy winter season.
Likewise, since kirtans are largely held in winter particularly in rural areas the demand for musical instruments, especially 'khol' increases.
“Every year we get orders from different areas of Mymensingh and adjacent districts including Jamalpur, Sherpur, Kishoreganj and Netrakona,” said Narayan Chandra Das, proprietor of Taal Taronga at town's Boro Kalibari area.
“We have already received large orders for both repair work and new instruments as cultural programmes are being held on a large scale both in the town and rural areas,” said another instrument maker Suvash Chandra Das.
Talking to this correspondent, the makers said they earned a reasonable profit at Durga Puja, the most important of the Hindu festivals.
“We had the opportunity to handle buyers from Mymensingh region and Gazipur during the puja celebrations and the sale of rhythmic musical instruments like bangla dhol, dhak (big drum), khol, dholok, dugi, khamok, naal, tabla and khonjori was satisfactory,” said Thandu Das, a young instrument maker.
However, the cost of making materials and instruments has increased substantially in recent years and now people in the business hope to continue in their age-old profession, said Md Shariful Islam, a young instrument maker.
The makers said, they need quality wood, plastic drum, goat skin, cow and buffalo hide, bamboo stick and jute to make such rhythmic instruments.
Sources also said that a Bangla dhol sells for Taka 3,000-6,500, dhak at Taka 8,000 -. 9,500, khol at Taka 2,500-4000 while a dholok goes for Taka 1,500-5000 according to size and quality.
As rhythmic musical instruments are much in demand outside the country as well, the people connected to this profession should get more patronage so that they can prosper, said tabla player Adhir Das.
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