Celebrations for Durga Puja have long included the mesmerizing beats of the dhak, a traditional drum from Bengal. This yearly celebration, which honours Goddess Durga’s victory over the demonic Mahishasura, is distinguished by lively celebrations, artistic pandal decorations, and cultural expressions that unite people from various backgrounds. But in remote regions of the world, Puja takes on a distinctive twist as women dancers known as dhakis take the rhythmic tradition to new heights.
Hong Kong: Dhak Beats Breaking Gender Barriers
The sound of the dhak resonates during Durga Puja in Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis renowned for its cultural diversity, in an unusual way. An expanding Indian and Bengali diaspora in this international city has developed innovative means of preserving its cultural traditions.
The emergence of female dhakis, who are defying long-held conventions, is what distinguishes Hong Kong. These gifted women, many of whom are expatriates from India or are descended from Indians, have taken up the dhak and have integrated themselves into the puja celebrations. They have mastered the complexities of the drum through intense practice and dedication, preserving and developing this rich cultural tradition. The inclusion of women dhakis in Hong Kong demonstrates not only their tenacity but also the city’s dedication to gender equality and embracing diversity.
Nigeria: A Special Fusion of Cultures
In Nigeria, the Durga Puja festival is more than just drumming; it is a fusion of cultures that crosses national boundaries. Despite being a small minority, Nigeria’s Indian population exemplifies the incredible cultural diversity of the nation.
The dhak’s sounds blend well with local rhythms in cities like Lagos and Abuja, creating a distinctive and energetic celebration. Women play an active role in these celebrations, not only as attendees but also as organizers and leaders. The Nigerian Bengali community places a strong emphasis on inclusion and cross-cultural dialogue and welcomes partygoers from all backgrounds.
The Importance of Bangladeshi Women
A significant change in gender dynamics has been brought about by the inclusion of women as dhakis in pandals all over the world. It not only acknowledges the power and fervour of women but also challenges long-standing customs that once restricted their participation. The meaning is obvious: Women, like the goddess Durga herself, represent power, strength, and the capacity to overcome any challenge.
The Puja celebrations in Hong Kong and Nigeria are proof of the tradition’s global influence and the strength of cross-cultural mingling. They demonstrate how the Puja spirit is a dynamic, living tradition that can exist anywhere in the world and is not restricted to any one area or community.
Let’s celebrate the beats of the dhak, the rhythm of tradition, and the women who are breaking down barriers and igniting change in the strangest places in the world during this Puja season. Their devotion and creativity give the world’s celebration of Durga Puja a distinctive and uplifting dimension.
Shared By: Team WS
