Artist: Danabhai Bharmal.
Folk instrument : Ghado-Ghambelo.
Vocals: Kafi and Lok Sangeet.
Village: Bhirandiyara, Kachchh.

As a child Dana admired the sound of Dhol. Not just the sound but the sway the instrument had on the listener. Also, as a child, he used to spend lots of time with his father’s tape recorder. Playing old Hindi songs. Repeatedly. And to be nourished by the soulfulness of the old Hindi songs.

The cheerfulness of Dhol instrument and the melody of the old Hindi songs shaped the musicality of Dana Bharmal. That’s the sound he pursued with Ghado Ghambelo, a traditional folk instrument from his village. A cheerful percussion sound that is soothing.

But he had to start his childhood journey as a musician with a steel plate and a small Ghado (clay pot). As a substitute for the actual Ghado-Ghambelo instrument because he didn’t have access to one. He sang traditional folk songs accompanied with music he played on the steel plate and the small Ghado. Soon he earned a fame for himself in his school. As an entertainer but also as a talented musician. It took him a while before he could own an actual Ghado Ghambelo instrument, because of the lack of resources.

Meanwhile he tagged along with other folk musicians doing Reyans (folk music evenings) in an around his village. To get the feel for the stage and also a chance to perform on Ghado Ghambelo. Eventually he earned invitations to perform in music programs and to make a small livelihood out of his music. Till date Dana has done more than 500 programs. Travelled many places in India with his music and also got invited to perform in Brazil and Indonesia. 

But music alone doesn’t sustain Dana’s family. He also runs a small craft shop with his wife and daughters. They make toys from old clothes. And some quilts. His wife is also an accomplished bead artisan and an embroidery artist.

He is also an accomplished singer with few signature songs to his credit. He specialises in the folk genres of Sindhi Kafi and Lok Sangeet. He often writes his own lyrics, which is a very rare today in the folk music scene of Kachchh. He now practices music with his son and daughter. They want to be singers, and learn the instrument Manjira.

Dana played an important role in the formation of Kala Varso and to take forward its mission to sustain folk music traditions of Kutch and its artists. He sits on the board of Kala Varso. He participated in Reeyaz Shala – Folk music school in Kutch – training programs to further his music understanding in terms of Sur(melody) and Taal(rhythm).

The locals call him ‘Kalakar’ – an accomplished artist. He won awards and many felicitations. But more importantly inspired many young musicians in his taluka, including his brothers, to follow their musical heritage.