Dumka of Uttarakhand

Dumka is a hollow cylindrical vessel made from wood and is used by Shauka tribes of northern districts of Uttarakhand. These vessel are used to make butter tea, alcohol and butter milk. Dumka has a lid on the top that has a hole where in a wooden churner can be inserted and pumped up and down to mix the liquid inside. 

The process of crafting a dumka starts with chopping wood and shaping it into a cylindrical form. Around the edge on the one side of wood, it is chipped to fit it into the chuck on the lathe. The chuck is the sole anchor for the wood thus its fit must be tight which should remain stable while turning. Chisels are used for embellishing grooves. With the help of a scrapping tool the surface of the wood is smooth. A paste of turmeric and mustard oil is applied to cure the dumka which is to be washed off after a few days later buttermilk is filled in it and left to rest for two days.