Jamshedpur: An all-women dhaki troupe from Kolkata added a special touch to Durga Puja celebrations organised by Sonari Tarun Sangha at Road Nos. 5 and 6 in Sonari West layout in Jamshedpur.Led by Bipasha Basu, the troupe came to Jamshedpur at the invitation of Sonari West Durga Puja Samity, which chose Nari Shakti as the theme for its 53rd Durga Puja celebration this year.The women played the traditional dhak during daily rituals and aarti of Goddess Durga and continued performing until Vijayadashami. They also gave special performances accompanied by folk songs under a programme.The troupe members, who are from North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, include college students and homemakers. They perform during Durga Puja and other occasions. Basu said the team regularly performs during Navratri across West Bengal and travels to other cities for programmes.“Playing the dhak is not just a means of earning livelihood but also a way to remain connected with Bengal’s rich cultural heritage,” she said.The troupe recently performed during the Brazilian football team’s visit to Kolkata. Basu described it as a significant achievement, saying such opportunities brought recognition to women dhakis and encouraged them to continue their craft.Basu is pursuing undergraduate studies at a college in North 24 Parganas. “I hope to get a good job after completing my education, but drumming skills will remain an important source of support for my future,” she said.
