Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 19, 2026

Dhaa

The Dhaa is a two-headed drum, "slightly smaller than the Dhimay." It belongs to the membranophone group of Newar traditional musical instruments. It is a kind of drum specially played during the month of Gunlaa, the ninth month of Newar calendar. Dhaa is also known as "Gunlaa Baajan".

Last revised
Jun 19, 2026
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Two boys from bhaktapur playing dhaa during biska jatra source ↗

The Dhaa (or Dhah)1 is a two-headed drum, "slightly smaller than the Dhimay."1 It belongs to the membranophone group of Newar traditional musical instruments. It is a kind of drum specially played during the month of Gunlaa, the ninth month of Newar calendar. Dhaa is also known as "Gunlaa Baajan".

It is made of a hollow wooden trunk covered at both sides with animal skin. The left side is covered with a thicker skin producing flat sound whereas the right side is covered with thinner skin producing sharper sound.

The Dhaa is played by a group of even number of people standing. The instrument is suspended with a belt over the right shoulder. Dhaa is always accompanied with Taa and Bhushyaa along with the tunes from some aerophones.

References

References

  1. "Membranophones". Jwajalapa!. Newatech, inc. 1 May 2008. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2016.