Women Dhakis Break Gender Barriers in Kolkata’s Durga Puja Festivities

In Kolkata, West Bengal, traditionally male-dominated festivals are witnessing a shift as female dhakis, or drummers, make their presence felt during the iconic Durga Puja celebrations. This change is spearheaded by Mohila Dhaki Babadhamraj Sampradaya, a group of 10 female dhakis from Katwa in the Purba Bardhaman district of north Bengal. These women are overcoming societal taboos to pursue what was once considered a male-only profession.

Donning white and blue saris paired with white sports shoes, these women carry the heavy drums on their shoulders, preparing to celebrate the arrival of the goddess Durga. Traditionally, playing the dhak was considered a male art form, passed down through generations within families, primarily to male heirs. The belief was that the dhaks, being significantly heavy, were unsuitable for women. However, this stereotype is being dismantled by women like Aparna Das.

Aparna Das, a 38-year-old member of the troupe, began learning to play the dhak eight years ago. Speaking with The Hindu, Ms. Das shared, “When we started playing, neighbors and villagers would say vile things. They believed it was wrong for women to take up what they considered a man’s job.” She credits her father, Dasan Das, for supporting her in this journey. Mr. Das, a seasoned dhaki with over 55 years of experience, faced criticism for teaching his daughter but remained steadfast in his belief in sharing his skills with all willing learners, irrespective of gender.

The Mohila Dhaki Babadhamraj Sampradaya now includes multiple women from the Das family, spanning daughters, sisters-in-law, granddaughters, and mothers. Initially, they struggled to gain acceptance, but have since become trailblazers, inspiring many aspiring female dhakis in their village. Phulon Das, another member of the group, noted, “Every woman and little girl in our village is now inspired by what we do. Each house in our locality has at least one woman who has begun playing the dhak.”

These women have performed beyond Kolkata, showcasing their talent across various districts of West Bengal and even in Tripura. Their journey parallels other barriers being broken within the context of Durga Puja. In 2021, for the first time, four women purohits, including Nandini Bhowmik, Ruma Roy, Semanti Banerjee, and Paulomi Chakraborty, officiated the festivities at 66 Pally in Kalighat, south Kolkata. Their involvement challenged patriarchal traditions, marking a significant shift in gender roles within religious practices.