Barrel drum (dhol). The instrument is played with the left hand, and the right hand holding a drum stick (dholor mari). It is held horizontallais either played in standing or sitting position. While standing a carrying cloth is put around the shoulders, and in a sitting position the instrument is kept on the thighs of the player. The bigger side (two skins, treble) is played with the left palm and fingers, the smaller side (one skin, bass) is played with the drum stick held in the right hand. Occasionally the left hand and right held drum stick are both employed on the bigger side (left side). Percussion is used to support dance and in solo ensembles.
The dhol, cymbals and bamboo clappers provide percussion accompaniment for dance songs in Assam, notably at Bahag or Rangali Bihu, the week-long mid-April festival that is celebrated throughout the state. Gamosas, white cloths with red patterned borders, are exchanged as gifts at this time, and the wooden shell of the dhol is usually wrapped in one when played for the celebrations.