Eden Gardens Hosts Historic Gathering of 3,000 Dhak Players in Celebration of Bengal’s Cultural Heritage
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Kolkata, West Bengal: Eden Gardens witnessed a remarkable celebration of Bengal’s cultural identity as the West Bengal Government organised an ambitious initiative involving 3,000 dhak players performing together, with the objective of establishing a Guinness World Records title.
The extraordinary gathering showcased the enduring significance of the dhak, the traditional Bengali percussion instrument closely associated with Durga Puja and the state’s rich cultural traditions. The collective performance transformed the iconic cricket venue into a vibrant stage for Bengal’s musical heritage, bringing together the rhythms and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Among the distinguished invitees was Pandit Prodyut Mukherjee, Grammy jury member and National Conductor of Vande Mataram, who attended the event as a Distinguished Witness and jury member. Sharing his experience, he described the occasion as a historic moment and expressed gratitude to the West Bengal Government for its initiative to present Bengal’s cultural legacy on an international platform.
The synchronised performance of thousands of dhak players represented more than a musical spectacle. It highlighted the deep connection between traditional music, community participation and Bengal’s cultural identity. The powerful rhythms of the dhak, an integral part of the state’s festive celebrations, carried a message of cultural pride and unity.
The initiative also demonstrated how traditional art forms can be presented on a large scale to attract wider national and international attention. By bringing thousands of performers together at one of India’s most celebrated sporting venues, the event sought to create a memorable milestone in the recognition of Bengal’s living cultural heritage.
Any Guinness World Records title remains subject to the organisation’s applicable verification and confirmation process.
The gathering at Eden Gardens served as a tribute to the musicians who preserve and perform Bengal’s traditional music, reaffirming the importance of safeguarding indigenous art forms while introducing them to audiences across the world.
IBG NEWS | Preserving Heritage, Reporting History
By Suman Munshi, Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Clarify the Guinness record statusRemove repeated bylines
