Jhargram, West Bengal

Mohuri and Shehnai (Folk Reed-Pipe Instruments)

Jhargram is a nestling place of folk culture, and its traditional folk performances — held at night in open spaces called akhada — are played on the reed pipes mohuri and shehnai, accompanied by the dhol, dhumsa and kharka drums. These hand-made reed-pipe instruments are part of the living Santal folk-music tradition of the district. A buyer gets a working piece of tribal folk instrumentation, straight from the community whose festivals and fairs it accompanies.

Typical price: ₹100-1500

Buying tip: Try the pipe before purchase — a clear, steady tone with even finger-hole spacing is the key quality marker; buy during a folk festival or akhada night when makers are present.