Vendor guide
Dhol players for Indian weddings
A dhol player brings live drumming to the baraat, the sangeet, a jaggo or the couple’s entrance. Book someone who has played South Asian weddings, agree exactly which moments they play and for how long, check your venue allows live drumming, and plan how they will hand over to the DJ.
Dhol players on Desi Shaadi & Co.
No dhol players are listed on Desi Shaadi & Co. yet. Listings are created by the businesses themselves and reviewed by our team before they go live, so this page will only ever show real, approved dhol players. Meanwhile, the questions below will help you choose one anywhere, and you can browse all listed vendors.
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Where does a dhol fit in a desi wedding?
Most often at the baraat, leading the groom’s procession. Many families also book a dhol for the jaggo or sangeet, the couple’s grand entrance at the reception, or the start of the dance floor. A dhol is especially associated with Punjabi celebrations and bhangra, but it is popular at weddings of many traditions. See our baraat checklist and sangeet planning guide.
What should we ask a dhol player?
- Have you played South Asian weddings, and can we see a video of a baraat you played?
- How long do you play for each booking, and can you play at two events on the same day?
- Do you play solo or with other drummers, and can you play along with the DJ’s music?
- What do you wear, and do you bring your own sound if needed?
- What do you charge for travel, overtime and early starts?
How does the dhol work with the DJ?
Agree who leads at each moment: often the dhol leads the baraat, then hands over to the DJ when the procession reaches the venue, or plays over the DJ’s tracks to start the dancing. Introduce your dhol player to your DJ and share the schedule with both.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a dhol player for the baraat?
Do venues allow dhol players?
How long does a dhol player play at a baraat?
Keep planning
See every vendor to book and when in the desi wedding vendor checklist, follow the 12-month planning checklist, or browse all our planning guides.