The alghoza is a pair of wooden flutes played simultaneously, one held in each hand, producing the breathy, layered melody that is the signature sound of Saraiki and Punjabi folk music.

What is a been used for?

The been, or pungi, is a double-reed pipe with a gourd air chamber, traditionally associated with snake charmers and wandering folk minstrels across South Punjab.

What instrument leads a Saraiki wedding procession?

The dhol, a large double-headed drum, traditionally leads the baraat (wedding procession) and powers the energetic jhumar dance at Saraiki weddings.

A chimta is a pair of metal fire-tongs fitted with small jingling discs, struck and clapped rhythmically by hand — a common percussion instrument in Sufi kafi and qawwali performances.

Is a dholak the same as a dhol?

No. The dhol is a large, loud, shoulder-slung drum played with sticks for outdoor processions and dance, while the dholak is a smaller, lighter barrel drum played by hand, common at indoor gatherings and singing circles.

Traditional Instruments - Saraiki Culture

Lok Saaz

Instruments That Carry the Saraiki Soul

Long before recorded music, the plains of South Punjab found their voice through handmade instruments — reed flutes carved by shepherds, drums stretched with goat hide, and simple string instruments built from gourds and wire. These instruments still anchor Saraiki folk music today.

Each instrument has its own place: some lead the melody, some drive the rhythm at a dance, and some simply keep time in the hands of an elder sitting at the edge of a gathering. Together they accompany Sufi kafi singing, qawwali at shrine festivals, and the joyous music of Saraiki weddings.

Alghoza — the iconic double flute of the Saraiki belt.
Dhol — the thunderous drum that opens every celebration.
Chimta — a jingling metal instrument played by hand.
Sarangi & tumba — the bowed and plucked voices of folk song.

Saraiki folk musicians playing traditional instruments

Meet the Instruments

Seven Sounds of South Punjab

Alghoza

A pair of wooden flutes played together, one hand on each, producing the region's signature breathy melody.

Been / Pungi

A double-reed pipe with a gourd chamber, traditionally linked to snake charmers and wandering minstrels.

Dhol

A large double-headed drum slung over the shoulder, played with sticks to power the jhumar dance.

Dholak

A smaller hand-played barrel drum, the mainstay of home gatherings, kafi singing and wedding songs.

Chimta

Metal fire-tongs fitted with jingling discs, struck and clapped rhythmically by Sufi singers and qawwals.

Tumba / Iktara

A one-stringed folk instrument with a gourd or wooden body, plucked to keep a steady drone beneath the vocals.

Sarangi

A bowed short-necked string instrument prized for its voice-like tone in classical and folk singing alike.

Ensemble Performance

At melas, urs festivals and weddings these instruments come together, layering rhythm, drone and melody.

Where They're Heard

Sufi Kafi, Qawwali & the Wedding Drum

At the shrines of Multan and Uch Sharif, the dhol and chimta drive the ecstatic rhythm of qawwali and dhamaal, while the sarangi and been shade Sufi kafi verses with mournful, meditative tone. At village weddings, the dhol leads the baraat procession and the jhumar dance, while dholak and chimta keep the women's singing circles alive late into the night.

These instruments are inseparable from Saraiki folk music and remain central to wedding traditions and shrine festivals across South Punjab, even as fewer artisans continue to hand-craft them.

Core Instruments

Dhol

Leads the Jhumar

Kafi

Sufi Sung Poetry

Alghoza

Signature Sound

Traditional Instruments

Instruments That Carry the Saraiki Soul

Seven Sounds of South Punjab

Alghoza

Been / Pungi

Dhol

Dholak

Chimta

Tumba / Iktara

Sarangi

Ensemble Performance

Sufi Kafi, Qawwali & the Wedding Drum

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