Celebrated dhaki and cultural icon Shri Gokul Chandra Das has been awarded the Padma Shri 2025 for his outstanding contribution to Art, becoming the first traditional dhak player in India to receive this prestigious civilian honour. His recognition marks a proud moment for Bengal’s folk heritage, especially the vibrant dhak percussion tradition.
Popularly known as the “Dhaki Samrat,” Shri Das began playing the dhak at the age of four, inheriting the skill from his father. Over the years, he elevated the humble drumbeat of Durga Puja celebrations into an art form showcased on classical and international stages. He has performed alongside maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Zakir Hussain, earning accolades and reverence for his rhythmic mastery.
But his legacy goes beyond music. Gokul Chandra Das is a trailblazer for gender equality in folk arts. In a move that challenged deep-rooted traditions, he trained over 200 women in dhak playing—a practice once considered taboo. His women’s dhaki troupe has since performed at national festivals and received widespread acclaim, changing perceptions and opening doors for future generations of female artists.
On receiving the Padma Shri, Das humbly said, “This award is for every dhaki whose beats celebrate our heritage—and for every girl who dares to drum.”
A jubilant celebration awaited him in his hometown of Machhlandapur in North 24 Parganas, where villagers welcomed him with a rally led by his female trainees—proving that his rhythm is not just music, but a movement.
