‘Dhol Wala’ -- an old tradition still alive in twin cities

Islamabad: The centuries old tradition of drum-beating to make weddings more entertaining is still alive in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

This beautiful custom has maintained its position in most of the urban areas but the charm of this cultural delight is still irresistible in rural areas.

The traditional drum-beaters waiting for customers at Shamsabad told this news agency that people really wanted to see and appreciate the drummer (dhol wala) for keeping the tradition alive despite advance technology and entertainment ways. They said that especially in marriages and celebrations people invited them for drum-beating.

The drum-beaters, wearing special dressing, said that this was our family business adding we do not like to change our profession despite a number of problems.

Hussan Shah, a 71-year-old drummer, said that this was a centuries old custom adding but today it was no more an attractive way of entertainment.

He said that especially during elections days and marriage season they earned good business as people invited them.

They demanded that the authorities concerned should take initiative for keeping the old tradition alive by organising courses of traditional drum-beating.