States » EastPosted at: Oct 23 2026 7:23PM


Bengal: Siliguri revives century-old tradition, honours 100 dhakis

Siliguri, Oct 23 (UNI) In an initiative to revive a century-old tradition associated with Durga Puja, a Siliguri-based social organisation on Friday felicitated 100 dhakis (traditional drummers) at the historic Siliguri Town Station as they prepared to return home after the festive season.
The tradition dates back more than 100 years, when dhakis from different parts of Bengal would assemble at the station to be hired by Durga Puja committees in Siliguri, adjoining tea gardens and private households. At the end of the festivities, people would gather at the station to bid them farewell, offering gifts and honorariums in appreciation of their contribution to the celebrations.
Seeking to bring back this age-old practice, the organisation arranged a special farewell for the drummers. The dhakis were presented with new clothes and felicitated in recognition of their role in preserving Bengal's cultural heritage.
The initiative also included a unique free market, where the drummers were provided with essential ration items without any charge.
The gesture brought smiles to the faces of a group of dhakis who had travelled from Malda to Siliguri to perform during Durga Puja. Away from their families during the festive days, they earn their livelihood by keeping the traditional beats of the dhak alive.
The organisers said the initiative was aimed at restoring a fading tradition while recognising the contribution of dhakis to Bengal's cultural identity.
The effort also reflected the spirit of "Sonar Siliguri, Sabar Siliguri" a golden Siliguri belonging to everyone, Raj Basu, who took the initiative.
UNI MBN NST SSI
Tags: #Bengal: Siliguri revives century-old tradition# honours 100 dhakis
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