Inflation and weak demand hit dhol artisans’ livelihoods during Rongali Bihu in Assam

As Rongali Bihu brings its usual wave of celebration across Assam, a quieter and more troubling story is unfolding behind the festive beats.

Traditional dhol artisans in Upper Assam are grappling with rising costs and falling demand, threatening both their livelihoods and a centuries-old craft.

For generations, crafting the dhol, the heartbeat of Bihu, has sustained families, particularly in Tinsukia district. However, this year, artisans say the trade is under severe strain.

“This is not just a business; it is our identity,” said Navjyoti Das, a trader from Rozagarh in Doomdooma. “But the prices of leather, wood, and other raw materials have increased sharply. Our margins are shrinking, and survival itself is becoming difficult.”

Typically, the Bihu season acts as a financial lifeline, with demand for traditional instruments peaking. But artisans report that this year’s market response has been unusually weak.

“We wait for Bihu every year with hope, but customers are hesitant. Sales are far below expectations,” Das said, urging the government to extend targeted support to small artisans.

Across Doomdooma and nearby areas, many dhol makers echo similar concerns. Limited capital, coupled with a lack of access to digital marketplaces, has left them struggling to adapt to changing consumer trends.

“We want to go digital and reach more buyers, but without investment, it’s not possible. If things don’t improve, many of us may have to leave this profession,” another artisan said.

Beyond economic hardship, the crisis is also taking a human toll. Das, who lives in rented accommodation, says he cannot afford proper medical care for his malnourished infant, highlighting the deeper social impact of the downturn.

Experts warn that without timely intervention, such as financial assistance, subsidies on raw materials, and support for digital integration—this traditional craft could face further decline.

The plight of Assam’s dhol artisans underscores a larger concern: the fading sustainability of cultural livelihoods. As the rhythms of Rongali Bihu echo across the state, the silence in artisan households serves as a stark reminder that preserving culture also requires protecting those who keep it alive.