When 3,000 Dhakis Drum Together: Kolkata’s Mahalaya Celebration Sets Guinness World Record
When it comes to celebrating Durga Puja, Kolkata knows how to make the occasion unforgettable! On October 10, the City of Joy turned the iconic Eden Gardens into a grand stage for Mahalaya celebrations, bringing together thousands of performers and spectators for a spectacular cultural event.The highlight was the gathering of 3,000 dhakis, who came together to create a powerful rhythm and set a Guinness World Record. Their energetic drumming filled the stadium, offering a stirring tribute to Bengal’s rich cultural traditions and the spirit of Durga Puja.The event, organised by the West Bengal government, drew an estimated 40,000 people, who witnessed the historic spectacle and joined in the festive excitement.Who Are the Dhakis?Dhakis are traditional Bengali drummers who play the dhak, a large, barrel-shaped drum closely associated with Durga Puja. Their powerful beats, known as pujar badyo, are an essential part of the festivities.From welcoming Goddess Durga during Bodhon to evening prayers and the final immersion of idols, the rhythms of the dhak bring a distinctive energy to the celebrations. Many dhakis inherit this art from their families and continue performing during festivals while pursuing other occupations throughout the year.By bringing 3,000 dhakis together, the event placed this treasured musical tradition in the spotlight on an extraordinary scale.Drones Paint the Sky With MagicThe celebrations were not limited to the stadium floor. Thousands of drones illuminated the night sky, creating stunning formations that added a modern touch to the traditional festivities. Fireworks lit up the darkness, while vibrant dance performances kept the audience enthralled.The combination of traditional music, dazzling technology and cultural performances made the evening a memorable tribute to Bengal’s biggest festival. Videos of the event and the dhakis’ rehearsals had already captured attention on social media, building excitement ahead of the celebrations.Mahalaya: The Countdown to Durga PujaMahalaya holds deep significance for Bengalis. It marks the end of Pitru Paksha, the period dedicated to remembering ancestors, and the beginning of Devi Paksha, heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga. For devotees, the Goddess is welcomed not only as a divine figure but also as a beloved daughter returning to her maternal home. The occasion signals the beginning of the eagerly awaited festive season, filled with music, food, devotion and togetherness.As Mahalaya ushered in the countdown to Durga Puja, Kolkata turned the occasion into a grand celebration of music, faith and community spirit