Durga Puja, a significant cultural event, is celebrated across various parts of India, each region adding its unique traditions. In Bengal, Durga Puja is a grand affair, with elaborate pandals and the rhythmic beats of the Dhak setting the celebratory mood from the sixth day of the Sharadiya Navratri. The festival culminates in the immersion of the idols on the tenth day, accompanied by the Sindoor Khela.
The tradition of playing the Dhak is deeply ingrained in Bengali culture, with both men and women playing this instrument. The increasing use of the instrument in various genres of music is commendable. In other parts of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, the Navratri is observed with Ram Leela performances, while in the south, the focus is on the worship of Durga in her form as Mahishasura Mardini. The festival is a vibrant showcase of the diverse cultural practices of the Indian subcontinent.
