Band, baaja, batsmen

The India-Sri Lanka World Cup final clash has led to an unprecedented demand for Nashik dhol players, who have hiked their rates more than threefold already

IF you are looking to have the earthy beat of the Nashik dhol add colour to the proceedings as you watch the mouthwatering India-Sri Lanka clash tomorrow, go out and book your drummer before it's too late.

Drummers and event organisers in the city say the India-Pakistan game brought an unexpected bonanza for them and the surge in demand has remained unabated since then.
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Traditional dhols being carried inside the Wankhede stadium ahead of the World Cup final on Saturday when the home team will clash against the Lankans

This has resulted in drummers hiking rates substantially owing to the yawning gap between demand and supply.

"More than 150 drummers were booked by cricket fans on Wednesday as India and Pakistan had a showdown after a long time.

The fact that India has now made it into the World Cup finals has only served to fuel the demand further.

Many people had made a tentative booking for the finals as they were sure that India would make it," said Girish Thapar, owner, A-2-Z event and wedding organiser.

Thapar added that the cost of booking drummers has increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000 already. "More bookings were made yesterday and we are expecting even more through the course of the day today.

The rates have been rising consistently and you can expect them to go up even more as the match inches closer," he said.

Ganesh Pawar, a drummer, said, "I have received calls from more than 10 people asking me to come and play for them during the finals.

But, since the number of drummers is small, we are choosing to perform only for those people who are offering us the best deal. It is even better than the wedding season I have never seen so much demand for a cricket match."

Fireworks too

Dealers selling fireworks have also witnessed a sudden spurt in demand. "Many people bought fireworks even late night on Wednesday.

Now, people seem to be certain that India is going to win the Cup and, hence, have started purchasing for the finals too," said Minesh Mehta, secretary, Mumbai and Thane Fireworks Dealers' Welfare Association.

He added that the boost in sales has come as a welcome relief after a slack season. "Although the deadline for bursting firecrackers is 10 pm, many people violated the rule on Wednesday since it was an India-Pakistan match. Demand was high in the suburbs too and we are expecting the sales for the final to outdo those," said he.

Voices

I am sure that India is going to win the World Cup and have bought a variety of fireworks for the occasion. Even if India doesn't win, I will burst them on Gudi Padwa Mahesh Sawant, Andheri

We are planning to book a dhol and if that doesn't happen, I want to at least purchase some fireworks to celebrate India's victory. I hope we life the Cup this time. Reshma Maisheri, Mulund

Rs 7,000: Current rates of Nashik dhol players, hiked up from the normal average of Rs 2,000