Written by Disha Dey & Swastik Chakraborty
Across India, tensions over identity have sharpened in recent months, with Bengali-speaking communities and migrant workers increasingly facing suspicion, detentions, and demands to prove their citizenship. From Gurugram to Odisha, reports of police verification drives and harassment have left many feeling targeted simply for speaking Bengali or being perceived as Bangladeshi. Against this backdrop, Kolkata’s Durga Puja—long celebrated for its inclusivity and cultural vibrancy—is witnessing a new layer of scrutiny this year, as several puja committees introduce mandatory ID checks for dhakis, the traditional drummers whose beats are the soul of the festival.
As the streets of Kolkata begin to hum with anticipation for Durga Puja, the rhythmic thump of the dhak remains the heartbeat of the city’s most beloved festival. For generations, dhakis have played an indispensable role, not only adding musical drama to the celebrations but also sustaining a vibrant cultural and economic ecosystem. From the crowded lanes of North Kolkata to the sprawling pandals of the south, their beats summon devotees, energize performers, and signal the start of rituals that bind communities together.
Yet, amid the festivities, this year’s celebrations are witnessing a subtle but significant change. Several prominent pandals, including Sreebhumi, Mitali Sangha, Highland Park, Tala Prottoy and Chetla Agrani Club, have reportedly introduced stricter identification protocols for dhakis, requiring documents such as Aadhaar cards before they can perform.
Why the checking
While some club members were hesitant to comment, Tapas Dasgupta of Mitali Sangha confirmed the new policy, saying, “We are checking IDs from this year to ensure a safe experience for visitors and locals.” Members of other puja committees, like Tala Prottoy, Shree Bhoomi and Highland Park, refused to comment on the issue.
Adding an enforcement perspective, a security officer posted near Chetla Agrani Club, on condition of anonymity, explained, “ID proofs of the dhakis will be checked from this year. This is the first time it is being done.”
The officer added, “Mostly dhakis who have been playing here for decades will be coming this year too with proper identification but an additional layer of safety is always advised.” His statement underscores the new formalization of a system that previously relied heavily on trust and long-standing relationships.
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Local dhaki suppliers also highlighted the importance of proper documentation. Amit Sikdar, who coordinates dhaki performers across multiple pandals, said, “Immigrants from Bangladesh have proper passports and identification, so if pandals require, they can show proper documentation.”
Tonay Parui, another supplier, added, “All the dhakis working under me are Indian nationals with valid identification such as Aadhaar cards and voter IDs.”
Meanwhile, Saibul Ahmed, a Bangladeshi dhaki, shared his perspective as a migrant performer, “We come to Kolkata to play because we can earn way more than we earn in Bangladesh.” Ahmed confirmed he has all valid documents and can produce them upon being asked.
For many dhakis, the festival is not only a stage for cultural expression but also a vital source of livelihood. The work is physically demanding and often requires traveling long distances or crossing borders, yet the financial and emotional rewards make the journey worthwhile. Their earnings, although modest compared to the grandeur of the pandals, sustain families, support education, and preserve the centuries-old tradition of playing dhak.
On-site practices vary depending on the familiarity and scale of the pandal. Prashanta Dey, cashier at Santosh Mitra Square, explained, “We hire the same dhakis every year. We know them, and they have proper identification, so we usually do not need to check. But during bisharjan (immersion), more dhakis are hired and thoroughly checked.”
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Rudra Paul, a member of Chetla Agrani Club, added, “The person in charge of booking dhakis doesn’t usually check, as they are generally from the local area.”
However, Gautam Kar of Badamtala Puja Committee emphasized the need for checking identity cards. “We are checking the identification of dhakis and workers involved in pandal construction to ensure a safe and secure environment and maintain trust with the public,” Kar said.
Striking a balance
These varying approaches reflect the challenge of balancing tradition with modern safety protocols. Historically, dhakis were known by reputation and familial association; trust and familiarity guided their employment. Today, with increasing urban crowds and stricter regulatory expectations, formal ID checks are emerging as a necessary measure without compromising the cultural essence of the festival.
The human aspect of these regulations cannot be overlooked. For many dhakis, the festival is the pinnacle of their annual work. Long hours, physical strain, and modest pay define their routines, yet their craft is celebrated by millions of visitors. Ensuring proper identification not only protects the organizers and audiences but also provides legitimacy and recognition for these performers. It formally acknowledges their role as essential participants in Kolkata’s cultural heritage.
As Kolkata prepares for another grand celebration, the beats of the dhak continue to echo across streets and pandals, carrying with them devotion, joy, and community spirit. The recent emphasis on identification and verification may be a subtle change, but it reflects a broader effort to professionalize and safeguard the festival, ensuring that its rhythms continue uninterrupted and that its performers are respected and secure.
(Disha Dey & Swastik Chakraborty are interns with The Theorist)
