CHENNAI: Phrases like starting the New Year with a ‘bang’ or starting the New Year on a ‘high note’ acquire new dimensions when you experience 40 Puneri dhols, tols, and tashas being played at the same time. Infectious with energy, the Morya Dhol Tasha Pathak from Mumbai captivated the audience at The Forum Vijaya Mall at Vadapalani on Tamil New Year’s Day.
The dhol is more of a barrel than a drum. It weighs 12-15 kg and is so massive that a rope is used to tie the instrument around the player’s waist. “The first known use of the Puneri dhol (from Pune, hence the name) dates back to the era of Chatrapathi Shivaji in the 17th Century. It would be played before a battle started, or to announce any news. Later, it came to be associated with religious processions,” says Prasad Parkar, one of the group’s co-founders.
The performance electrified the atmosphere at Forum Vijaya Mall. The performers themselves were smiling at one another as they drummed up the tempo, like they were telling each other a story. Accompanying the dhol were two instruments — the tasha, a smaller drum and tol, a gong. The drummers all shared chemistry and passionately went about beating the dhol with a wooden stick called tepru.
“Yes, the performance is so intense that the leather on the dhol lasts only for five performances,” laughs Prasad, and adds that maintaining a dhol is a tough task. “Buying a dhol costs anywhere between `6,000 and Rs 7,000, but it costs Rs 1,000 to replace the leather,” rues Prasad.
And unlike percussion instruments in general, this one has several women playing it too. Jyoti was one of the favourites with her fiery beats, broad smile and shiny nath (traditional nose ornament). Speaking to City Express, the Mumbai pharmacist has just one explanation for her energy: “We are crazy about playing the dhol. We love it,” she grins. Isn’t it difficult to develop stamina to play this instrument? “It’s tough only till you tie the dhol to your waist. After that, the instrument and its spirit just takes over,” she explains.
The sound the dhol generates is too loud and practice cannot be an everyday thing. Besides, Mumbaikars are always short of time. Says Prasad, “We practise together on someone’s terrace every weekend. All sorts of people are interested in learning, and they come to us — students, lawyers, doctors, office-goers, etc.”
Nilesh Chalke, another co-founder of Morya Pathak, explains how the band started. “The DJ culture has now become so widespread in Mumbai that they are also invited to Ganpati processions. And they play out-of-place songs like Sheila ki Jawani!”
And this was why he and Prasad decided to start the band in 2013 — so that youth in and around Mumbai could get a taste of tradition. “First, we were doubtful if we would get any interest. Now, we have over 100 band members,” grins Nilesh.
As we leave the venue with ears still ringing and hearts still thudding to the dhol beats, Jyoti’s parting words ring in our heads, “You should come to Mumbai and see our performances!” We nod our heads thinking, ‘one more reason to make that trip’!
What is a Dhol
It has a cylindrical aluminum body with leather sheets on both sides
Leather is made mostly out of sheepskin
Diameter is 23-25 inches
Weighs 12-16 kg
Costs Rs 6,000-7,000