Pakhavaj

Pakhawaj is a percussion instrument made of wood, parchment, leather, and black paste. This traditional instrument is found in various parts of North India. Majorly used in North Indian classical concerts particularly with ‘Dhrupad’ and ‘Dhamar’ style of music and with the instruments played in Dhrupad style such as Been, Rabab, Surbahar, etc. Also a solo instrument.

One of the major percussion instruments of North Indian classical music. A bifacial cylindrical drum hollowed out of a block of wood. Skin, covering the faces are fastened to the leather hoops by leather straps. Right face is loaded with black paste. Fine wheat flour dough is applied on the left face before the performance and taken out immediately after that. Played with fingers and palms of both hands. Used in North Indian classical concerts particularly with ‘Dhrupad’ and ‘Dhamar’ style of music and with the instruments played in Dhrupad style such as Been, Rabab, Surbahar etc. Also a solo instrument.