Dhak: India musical instrument

The dhak is a large membranophone instrument that is found in India. The shapes vary from the cylindrical to the barrel as well as the manner of stretching the hide over the mouths and lacing. It hanged from the neck and tied to the waist and kept on the lap or the ground while playing it and it is mostly played with wooden sticks. The left side of the musical instrument is coated to give it a heavier sound.

source of picture: indianetzone.com

Dhakis are traditional players who play this musical instrument during the Hindu festivals primarily in Bengal. They perform mostly in pandals of barowari pujas beginning from Viswakarma puja till Kali puja although they are most noticeable during Durga Puja.