Durga is worshipped as Adi Shakti or the one in Eternal Power. The Bengalis in Hyderabad are no exception. The reverberating beat and rhythm of the ‘dhak’ is what completes Durga Puja.
In Hyderabad, Sculptors from the potter’s community Kumartuli in Kolkata, and Dhaki artistes are brought from Kolkata by Probasi (non-resident) Bengali Puja committees.
Bangiya Sanskrutik Sangha or BSS hosts one of the biggest and oldest Durga Puja celebrations in Hyderabad. This is their 58th year at the Keyes High School, Secunderabad.
A highlight of the BSS Puja this year is the presence of Bhabatarini Mahila Dhaki Sampradaya. It comprises 11 women and two men and hails from Maslandapur in North 24 Paraganas, West Bengal.
“The dhak intrigued me as a child. While my father tried to dissuade me, my paternal uncle saw my passion for it and encouraged me.” Says Dipa Das who heads the group of Dhakis.
I first played it in 2016-17 at a Puja in Kolkata, and impressed my father. Slowly, he started engaging me in more public events but insisted that I also complete my studies,” says Das.
The rest of the women in her troupe are either married or students and aged between 18-36 years. They will continue playing the dhak as it has brought them a distinct identity.