The Bhankora is a type of copper trumpet that is prominently used in the folk music of Uttarakhand in India, especially in the Garhwal region of the state. The instruments are aeroponic and used specifically in religious Garhwal Folk Dramas and festivals, most notably the Pandava Lila and Nanda Devi Raj Jat. The instrument is being used and played only by upper-class Garhwali’s during the Naubat, Dhanyal, and Dev Jatra types of religious ritual performances in Uttarkhand. The Bhankora is 36 inches long and about 3 inches in diameter. It creates a sweet melodious sound and tone and is very soothing to the listeners.
Bhankora instrument is Uttarakhand’s native musical instrument. Bhankora is handmade in copper metal by local Tamta artisans traditionally in Uttarakhand. The size of Bhankora may vary from place to place.
The bhankora is played at dramas and festivals organized in the region of Garhwal in Uttarakhand.
Visiting Uttarakhand, one must try to listen to the people who use this instrument to play during the festival. These are the traditional musical instruments that may not be seen in a few years from now on.
The festivals and the occasion in the Garhwal region begin with the melodious sound of Bhankora.
The Bhankora plays a major role in the dramas and the plays organized in mountain areas.