The one with the Dhol Vdak.

 The One With The Dhol Vadak.

I remember the moment I first saw a dhol pathak (troop). I had never seen one or been interested in one before that but a friend was a member and he invited me to watch. I was hooked the first time I saw them. I was mesmerized by the sounds and impressed by the energies of the musicians and intrigued with the instruments. How do people play such heavy instruments, with such ease? I had so many questions and only one way to get answers. Without wasting time, I immediately enrolled to be a part of the pathak (troop) and it falls under the “good decisions” category of my life. 

The first time I entered the practice space, it was intimidating for me because there were a lot of people, but it was also welcoming. Everyone seemed delighted to be there and it was good to see so many people from so many different backgrounds, working together as a team. The atmosphere during the practice sessions is amazing. Everyone is passionate about their art and dedicated to their instruments and respectful of the other musicians. People help each other and work on improving themselves. Appreciation and criticism are both equally accepted. 

The ‘vadan’ or the actual performance or procession is a whole different vibe. Everyone assembles and maintains their own instruments with so much love and attention. Every member gets ready in their perfectly ironed uniforms and makes themselves presentable for it. The entire ‘vadan’ feels almost like an addiction. That ecstatic feeling you get when the entire ‘pathak’ plays together and the audience just enjoying themselves with you, in the middle of the road, is something you can never forget. 

There are obviously arguments and disagreements amongst the group and I would honestly be worried if there weren’t. But these disagreements just show the passion people have towards this art and the pathak (troop). At the end of the day, no one takes disagreements outside the practice space and doesn’t let it affect the team morale. 

Joining this pathak has been one of the good decisions of my life. I have a few people here who are now pretty important in my life and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. It has also proven to be a good outlet for my energy and the stresses of life.  Before joining the pathak, I always wondered how people stayed a part of such pathaks for a decade or two, but now I get it. If the values of the pathak and the company of the people are the right fit for you, then it is easy to stay there for years. If you have never heard or seen a ‘Dhol Tasha Pathak’, then I would definitely urge you to watch this amazing, traditional art form. And if you are already amazed by it, consider this a sign to go ahead and join a ‘pathak’.

Written by,

Rtr. Manali Kanthi,

Rotaract Club of Thane Skyline.