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Dholak India Music Percussion Instrument

The Dhol is one of most popular Folk Instruments of India and is mainly used as an accompaniment to folk music. The Dhol is also used on religious ceremonies in Bengal. The sound of this instrument imparts a breath of fresh air to festivals and ceremonial occasions. There are various kinds of Dhols in India, varying from the sophisticated to the aboriginal types which are played by the common masses. It is a barrel-shaped drum made of wood, 18 to 20 inches in length, and 12 inches in diameter. However, the sizes vary from place to place.

The Dholak of North India is very popular and smaller in size than the one used in other regions. It is played with both the hands and sometimes a ring on the right thumb is used to keep the beat and produce an additional sound for creating variety. A bigger variety of the Dhol is the Dhak, which is used in Bengal during the puja ceremonies. But the Dhak is played with the help of two long and thin sticks.