Musical Instruments of Odisha

Odisha, a state steeped in mythology, heritage, and cultural artistry, carries a centuries-old musical legacy that thrives far beyond the concert halls and classical performances. The musical instruments of Odisha, particularly its folk and tribal instruments, are not merely tools for melody - they are vessels of history, ritual, community, and identity.

Whether accompanying traditional dances, festivals, village storytelling, or spiritual rituals, Odia instruments reflect the region’s immense cultural diversity. And in projects like RAAHEIN Gharana’s recent song "KANJI," these instruments take center stage, echoing both legacy and living practice.

Let us explore some of the most iconic and culturally significant musical instruments of Odisha that define its native soundscape.

1. Mardal

The Percussive Pulse A cousin of the pakhawaj, the Mardal is a barrel-shaped wooden drum with two sides, often seen in Odissi dance performances. It produces deep bass on one end and sharper tones on the other. Mardal players often use intricate hand movements to accompany devotional music and folk theatre.

Its rhythms are essential to Odissi music, yet the Mardal also appears in tribal celebrations and rural temple rituals. It is not just a percussion instrument; it embodies tempo, emotional expression, and divine invocation.

2. Mahuri

Odisha’s Traditional Reed Instrument The Mahuri is a double-reed wind instrument, similar in shape to the shehnai but distinct in tone and usage. Played during temple rituals, wedding processions, and rural folk dramas, its vibrant, slightly nasal sound is considered auspicious.

Mahuri players are often part of hereditary musical families who pass down the craft orally. The instrument has an important role in both tribal and non-tribal Odia ceremonies.

3. Dhol

The Festival Drum Large, cylindrical, and double-sided, the Dhol is Odisha’s heart-thumping rhythmic base. It's played with sticks and slung across the shoulder or waist. The Dhol accompanies a wide variety of events—from street parades and jatras (folk theatre) to harvest festivals.

Dhol beats are simple yet infectious, and in folk songs like "KANJI" by RAAHEIN Gharana, it forms the pulse of the track, bringing celebratory energy and communal joy to the listener.

4. Nishan

The Tribal War Drum Primarily used by tribal communities, the Nishan is a large war-drum-like instrument made from metal or wood, played with a mallet. It is used in rituals, hunting songs, and in dances where rhythm represents power, strength, and divine protection.

Its sound is often interpreted as a call to gather or a signal of collective action—an ancient form of communication and cultural cohesion.

5. Gini & Jhanj

Cymbals of Devotion Gini and Jhanj are traditional metallic clappers or cymbals used predominantly in bhajan and kirtan performances. Small but impactful, they keep rhythm in devotional settings and folk gatherings.

Their sharp clinking sounds symbolize alertness and purity, and they often accompany folk narratives and dramatic performances like Prahlad Natak or Ram Leela in rural Odisha.

6. Tasha

The Kettle Drum of Celebration Tasha is a semi-spherical kettle drum played with curved sticks and often used in ceremonial and festive settings. It's most commonly heard during processions, yatras, and tribal fairs.

Tasha players add dramatic flair to any celebration, with the instrument often paired with wind instruments like the Mahuri for an energetic ensemble.

7. Binka and Changu

Indigenous Tribal Rhythms Tribal communities across southern and western Odisha use unique instruments like the Binka (a string instrument) and Changu (a small hand drum). These are used in local dance forms like Dhemsa and rituals specific to tribes like Kondh, Saura, and Paraja.

Their sound is elemental and raw, deeply rooted in agrarian life and forest spirituality.

Preserving Odisha’s Musical Ecosystem Through RAAHEIN Gharana. RAAHEIN Gharana’s Rhythmic Roots series is a testament to the power of rediscovering and re-recording India’s lesser-heard instruments. In their recent song "KANJI," native Odia instruments like Mahuri, Dhol, Mardal and Gini are played by regional musicians from Kalahandi, echoing the richness of local tradition.

  

KANJI is more than an Odia folk song - it’s a living archive of sound, story, and cultural expression. The song brings together 12 musicians, including 9 regional artists, blending native instrumentation with indie-folk sensibilities.

Why These Instruments Matter

• They preserve oral and musical traditions of Odisha’s tribal and rural communities.
• They provide livelihood and cultural recognition to regional artisans.
• They enrich India’s folk narrative, offering alternatives to classical and commercial music.
• They maintain linguistic and rhythmic diversity in Indian music.

Watch the Tradition Come Alive

Watch the full video of "KANJI" on YouTube and explore more folk-based tracks by RAAHEIN Gharana on Spotify, Apple Music, Gaana and more.

The musical instruments of Odisha tell stories without words. They are shaped by ritual, land, and people. As India looks forward, initiatives like RAAHEIN Gharana ensure that we don’t leave behind the very sounds that shaped our roots.

Let us listen. Let us remember. Let us celebrate.