Sarvan Dholi keeps Punjab’s folk beat alive; but three months’ work, none months’ wait
Ferozepur, July 30, 2026: When the first beat of the dhol reverberates across a university ground and Bhangra dancers spring into action, the atmosphere comes alive. But when those beats come from Sarvan ‘Dholi’, there is something more than rhythm in the air—the sound of Punjab’s rich folk tradition.
Having performed at more than 100 colleges and universities, Sarvan has established a distinct identity on the Bhangra circuit. For him, the dhol is not merely a musical instrument; it is an inheritance, a livelihood and a responsibility to preserve the folk heritage passed down by his ancestors.
Born on January 1, 1993, Sarvan is the fourth generation of his family to play the dhol. His great-grandfather Jiona Ram, grandfather Natthu Ram and father Shiv Ram were all dhol players. At around 10, Sarvan picked up the sticks and began learning the instrument. He trained under Ustad Rakesh and later learnt the finer nuances from Ustad Jolly, Ustad Ravi and Ustad Bittu.
His journey has taken him from zonal and inter-zonal competitions to North Zone and national-level events. Besides Bhangra, he has performed with Jhoomar, Malwai Giddha and Sammi teams. His talent earned him the Best Dholi Award and Ustad Bhana Ram Award in 2017. He has also represented Punjab at folk festivals organised across the country by the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala.
But behind the applause lies a difficult reality. Sarvan gets work for only around three months during the university and college competition season. For the remaining nine months, he returns home, practises and waits for the next season.
Poverty also deprived him of formal education. Yet life became his university and the dhol his textbook. Sarvan now lives with his father in Jagraon. His brother too plays the dhol, keeping alive a family tradition spanning four generations.
When Sarvan strikes his dhol, his beats carry the memories of his ancestors, his struggles and the fragrance of Punjab’s soil.