Music to the ears of percussion instrument makers

Percussion instruments such as bangla dhol, dhak [big drum], khol, dholok, dugi, khamok, naal, tabla and khonjori are in great demand during Durga Puja and other festivities.
Makers of these instruments say they are doing brisk business. “A bangla dhol sells for Taka 2,000-- 6,000; dhak at Taka 7,000-- 8,000; khol at Taka 2,500--3,000 while a dholak goes for Taka1,200-- 3,000 according to its size and quality,” said Suvash Chandra Das, an instrument maker at Boro Kalibari Road in the town.
On an average, the price of each instrument has increased by around Taka
400--500 over the last year, informed Suvash.
Gopal Chadra Das, 17, said, that while the price of materials such as wood, plastic drum, goat hide, bamboo and jute to make percussion instruments has increased over the years, the selling price too has shot up, enabling the younger generation to hold on to its ancestral profession.
As dhak and dhol are an inseparable part of Durga and Kali Puja, artistes who make these instruments are always in demand, said Ashit Kumar Chakraborty a retired government official.