iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

This is very odd but utterly fascinating!



Welcome to the studio, or simply call it the workshop, of Mukesh Dhiman. This is where he makes musical instruments like the Australian Didgeridoo and African Djembe. At the very first glance, the place reflects it distinct uniqueness with wooden logs arranged to create a sitting arrangement.
The musical instruments made by 45-year-old Mukesh are the favorite of foreign tourists visiting the holy city. Everyday one can spot a few foreign guests at his workshop working with Mukesh on logs of wood to design their specific Didgeridoo or Djembe.
The Didgeridoo originated in the 'Top End' of Australia. It is a wind musical instrument. Didgeridoo is considered the world's oldest musical instrument and the traditional sound of Australia. The Djembe is the drum of the Mandinka people of Africa, and its origins date back to the great Mali Empire of the 12th century.
Illiterate Mukesh has overcome all odds to create a name for himself and reach many countries with his Didgeridoo and Djembe. The story of Mukesh learning to make these foreign musical instruments is no less interesting. "I have been making handmade Didgeridoos and Djembes over the past twenty years. I learned about the Didgeridoo from an Australian tourist and the Djembe from an African visitor to Rishikesh. Besides this, I also manufacture Teepees that I learned from a Red Indian lady."
The musical instruments have brought fame for Dhiman and found mention in many travel guides.
After reading about them in an international travel guide, Stefano Grillone came here especially for the Didgeridoo and sharing his experience with HT, said, "Four years ago I came to Rishikesh and took back two Didgeridoos. This time I will be taking six and all for myself." Stefano is a music teacher based in Italy.
A visit to Mukesh's studio is on the itinerary of most music lovers on a trip to Rishikesh. The western traveler at large prefers to work in the studio and make specific Didgeridoos and Djembes for his use. Like Franck, a boatman from Canada, informs, "I am making a bamboo didgeridoo for myself."
Besides ensuring quality, the handmade Didgeridoo and Djembe produced by Mukesh are cost wise economical. A bamboo Didgeridoo costs as little as Rs 400 and a wooden one as much as Rs 3000. A Djembe is priced between Rs 2500 and 3000.
"I feel proud when I see visitors from many parts of the world at my studio. I consider this my small contribution to making Brand India shine in the international market," Mukesh Dhiman adds.

Guan

Another YouTube video about Mukesh, not very good reporting or research though but interesting nonetheless.



Rishikesh, is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage and thousands throng the town every year. Besides being considered a religious centre it has for years had associations with western pop music the Beatles choosing to visit Rishikesh of all places is legendary. The latest aspect of this association is a new western wind instrument Didgeridoo made by Mukesh Dhiman, a self taught maker of unusual musical instruments. The Himalayan Didgeridoo is the name that the Australian instrument has now acquired.

Guan

will be in Rishikesh next February,


i would like to do a didgeridoo at his workshop and would like to have an idea on how long it takes to do one...not that im in a hurry..but still i would like to see some of India in my 7 week stay and not just Rishikesh. Also where will I find his workshop?

Thanks!

Iain

Hi Iain,

Have you had any luck with your research in tracking down Rishikesh?

Guan

Hi Guan,

No not really, but I am told Rishikesh is not so large a village, so finding him shouldnt be a problem. Still info regarding Mukesh or his workshop would be greatly appreciated.

thanks for having time to respond to d post

Iain