Rishikesh-made Didgeridoo, a musical instrument, famous world over

Rishikesh has emerged as an international centre for musical instruments, which are largely used abroad.

By Ashish Goel

Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), Sept. 28 : Rishikesh has emerged as an international centre for musical instruments, which are largely used abroad.

Traditionally Rishikesh, located at a height of about 1360 feet above the sea, is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage and thousands throng the town every year. However, it has now started gaining popularity on account of its Didgeridoo.

The Didgeridoo is an aboriginal wind instrument that originated in Australia.

While the eastern bank of the river is known for its hermitages and market place selling devotional accoutrements, the other side is popular for Mukesh Dhiman's handmade musical instruments.

Dhiman, a self taught maker of unusual musical instruments, runs a workshop called 'Jungle Vibes' that is visited regularly by foreign tourists and music enthusiasts.

He says he is elated that his work is being appreciated the world over.

"Many people know me and it makes me feel happy that foreigners too come in search of my shop. These people who buy my handmade Didgeridoo and perform abroad make huge profits. They then recommend me to others who come here and make their own Didgeridoo," said Dhiman.

Dhiman also trains these music lovers to make musical instruments under his guidance.

Hundreds of enthusiasts from Israel, Germany, Japan, Africa, America, Italy, Portugal and Spain flock to Rishikesh to buy their Didgeridoo and even learn to make them also.

It is now popularly known as the 'Himalayan Didgeridoo' among these foreigners.

"I love the didgeridoo because it has a very deep sound. It sounds like 'Om'. I come to Mukesh's house and learn how to play and make this musical instrument. Mukesh plays various sounds like animal sounds, sounds of the nature and a very powerful sound like Om," said Luke Donovan, former singer of an electric rock band in Spain.

People who come here find the workshop relaxing, with the ambience adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

At any given point of time, one can find around 20-25 foreigners learning to make their Didgeridoo.

Today, a large number of Indians are also trying their hands at making this unique and rare musical instrument.

This mesmerizing musical instrument was invented in Australia centuries ago. It was created when termites hollowed out the barks of a eucalyptus tree.

ANI