Bengal: Siliguri revives century-old tradition, honours 100 dhakis

Siliguri, Oct 23 (UNI) In an initiative to revive a century-old tradition associated with Durga Puja, a Siliguri-based social organisation on Friday felicitated 100 dhakis (traditional drummers) at the historic Siliguri Town Station as they prepared to return home after the festive season. The tradition dates back more than 100 years, when dhakis from different parts of Bengal would assemble at the station to be hired by Durga Puja committees in Siliguri, adjoining tea gardens and private households. At the end of the festivities, people would gather at the station to bid them farewell, offering gifts and honorariums in appreciation…