Trends come and go but the traditional never goes out of fashion. Traditions are the very base on which a community stands and are a part of the cultural heritage handed down by our ancestors that keep us grounded to our very roots. Dhol Damau is one such tradition prevalent in the garhwal region. ‘Dhol Damau’ is a collective term used to refer to the two folk musical instruments that are exclusive to the state of Uttarakhand. The dhol and damau may be played separately but are almost always played together on special occasions in the garhwal region. These traditional instruments hold special importance in the pahaadi community and it is considered auspicious to play them on almost significant events and religious ceremonies.
The dhol damau holds its roots in the garhwali traditions and is regarded as the harbinger of the gods and is associated with good luck. The tradition dates back a long time in the villages of Uttarakhand and has been fairly common in the region for ages. Though popularity of the instrument had been confined to rural areas all these years, it is starting to gain prestige in the modern crowds of Uttarakhand as well.