Here are the basic tools and parts involved in playing and maintaining a Dhol drum:
🥁 Basic Tools in Dhol
1. Sticks
Dagga:
Thick, curved stick
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Used for the bass (larger side) of the Dhol
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Produces deep, booming sounds
Tilli:
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Thin, straight stick
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Used for the treble (smaller side)
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Produces sharp, high-pitched sounds
2. Shoulder Strap (Belt)
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Worn around the neck or shoulder
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Holds the Dhol in place while playing
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Allows movement/dancing while drumming
3. Dhol Tuning Spanner/Wrench
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Used to tighten or loosen the bolts or ropes
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Adjusts the tension of the drum skins
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Essential for tuning the Dhol properly (bass and treble sides)
🎧 Bonus Accessories (Optional)
☺Learn basic steps of dhol
Day 1: Learn Basic Posture & Rhythm
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Focus: Body posture, understanding beat (1-2-3-4)
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Steps to Practice:
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Basic bounce (bending knees to the beat)
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Shoulder shrugs (important in Bhangra)
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Practice time: 30–45 minutes
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Goal: Be able to move in rhythm confidently
Day 2: Basic Steps – Jhummar & Single Dhamaal
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Focus: Foundational steps
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Steps to Learn:
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Jhummar: Gentle sway with arms
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Single Dhamaal: High energy, jumping footwork
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Practice time: 45–60 minutes
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Video recommendation: Search “Basic Bhangra steps for beginners”
Day 3: Add Arms – Thappi & Arm Twists
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Focus: Arm coordination
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Steps to Learn:
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Thappi: Clapping move
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Arm swings or twists with footwork
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Practice: Combine with Jhummar and Dhamaal
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Tip: Always practice with a mirror or record yourself
Day 4: Practice Transitions
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Focus: Switching steps smoothly
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Activity:
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8-count sequences: Jhummar → Thappi → Dhamaal
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Practice: Loop sequences to music
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Goal: Build fluidity
Day 5: Try a Small Routine
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Create: A 30–40 second combo using 3–4 steps
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Perform: With upbeat dhol track
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Record: Watch and correct posture/energy
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Tip: Add facial expressions and energy!
Day 6: Learn a Choreography
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Find a beginner Bhangra tutorial with choreography (e.g., by Bhangra Empire, Learn Bhangra app)
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Follow along and repeat until memorized
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Focus on syncing with music and adding style
Find a beginner Bhangra tutorial with choreography (e.g., by Bhangra Empire, Learn Bhangra app)
Follow along and repeat until memorized
Focus on syncing with music and adding style
Day 7: Final Practice + Perform
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Warm-up, review all steps
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Perform your routine with full energy
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Record and share with a friend or online
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Reflect: What felt good? What can improve?
Warm-up, review all steps
Perform your routine with full energy
Record and share with a friend or online
Reflect: What felt good? What can improve?
"Where is the Dhol used?"
The Dhol is a traditional double-sided drum, widely used in Indian and Pakistani cultures, especially in Punjabi music. It is known for its loud, energetic beats.
Here are the main places and events where the dhol is commonly used:
1. Weddings
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Dhol is very popular in Indian and Punjabi weddings
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Played during Baraat (groom's wedding procession)
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Creates a festive, joyful atmosphere
2. Festivals
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Used in major festivals like:
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Baisakhi (harvest festival)
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Lohri (Punjabi fire festival)
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Holi, Navratri, Diwali, and others
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Adds energy to dances like Bhangra and Garba
3. Religious Events
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Played at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) or during processions
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Sometimes used in Jagran or kirtans (devotional music)
💰 Dhol Player Earnings in India (2025 Estimate)
🔹 1. Local Events & Weddings
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Per event payment: ₹2,000 to ₹10,000
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High-end weddings (cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur): ₹15,000+ per event
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Some earn more if part of a group/band
🔹 2. Monthly Income (if working regularly)
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Beginner/Local level: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000/month
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Experienced/Professional level: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000+/month
(especially during peak seasons like wedding months or festival times)
🔹 3. Teaching Dhol (Online or Offline)
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Can charge ₹500 – ₹2,000 per class
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Running a Dhol class or academy can generate ₹30,000 – ₹1 lakh+ monthly
🔹 4. Working with DJs or Bhangra Teams
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Per performance: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000+
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More if traveling for shows or included in stage events
🔹 5. YouTube/Social Media (Advanced Option)
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Some Dhol players earn through:
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YouTube ads
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Instagram reels
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Sponsorships
🥁 New Dhol Price Range in India (2025)
🔹 Budget Range (₹1,500 – ₹3,000)
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Material: Basic wood or metal
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Features: Suitable for beginners or casual use
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Examples:
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GT Manufacturers Rope & Rings Dhol – ₹364
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Kannan Musical Instruments Nashik Dhol (18") – ₹1,780 FlipkartRaj Musical+3Amazon India+3Flipkart+3
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🔹 Mid-Range (₹3,000 – ₹6,000)
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Material: Mango wood or Sheesham wood
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Features: Better sound quality, often includes carrying bag and sticks
Examples:
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SVAANI Punjabi Dhol (24" Sheesham Wood) – ₹6,500
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Maharaja Musicals Sheesham Wood Dhol – ₹48,00
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Bhangra Dhol 2 Mango Wood – ₹4,000
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Muteyaar 23" Fiber Dhol with Bag & Extra Skins – ₹6,500 OLX India+4maharajamusicals.com+4eBay+4Flipkart+3muteyaar.com+3eBay+3Raj Musical+1Exporters India+1
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🔹 Premium Range (₹6,000 – ₹10,000+)
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Material: High-quality Sheesham wood or fiberglass
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Features: Professional-grade sound, decorative elements, durable build
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Examples:
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SVAANI Punjabi Dhol (24" Sheesham Wood) – ₹6,500
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Maharaja Musicals Sheesham Wood Dhol – ₹48,000 Amazon India+7Heritage Musical Centre+7Flipkart+7Exporters IndiaAmazon India+1Amazon India+1Heritage Musical Centre+3maharajamusicals.com+3Exporters India+3
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🛒
Where to Buy Online
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Amazon India: Wide range from budget to premium options Amazon India
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Flipkart: Various brands and models available Flipkart
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Muteyaar: Specializes in Bhangra Dhols with accessories muteyaar.com
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Maharaja Musicals: Offers handcrafted, professional-grade Dhols maharajamusicals.com
✅ Tips for Choosing the Right Dhol
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Material: Sheesham wood offers rich tones; mango wood is lighter and more affordable.
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Tuning Mechanism: Nut & bolt systems allow easier tuning compared to rope-tuned Dhols.
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Accessories: Look for packages that include sticks (dagga & tilli), carrying bag, and extra skins.
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Purpose: For professional performances, invest in premium models; for practice or casual use, mid-range options suffice.
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