ਚਿਮਟਾ

What does chimta mean in Punjabi?

Chimta (ਚਿਮਟਾ), pronounced CHIM-taa, is a Punjabi percussion instrument that began as a pair of kitchen and fire tongs. A long strip of steel or iron is folded in two and fitted with small brass jingles along its sides, so when the two arms are struck together it rings out a bright metallic chime that carries the beat of a song.

How is the chimta made?

The instrument starts as one long, flat piece of steel or iron, pointed at both ends and folded over in the middle. A metal ring sits near the fold, and jingles or rings are fixed along the two sides at regular intervals, sometimes as many as seven pairs. Larger rings suit loud rural festivals, while smaller, lighter jingles are preferred beside bhangra dancers and singers of hymns.

How is the chimta played?

The player holds the folded joint in one hand and strikes the two arms against each other, so the jingles chime on the beat. The rings can also be plucked in a downward motion for a softer tinkling run. The chimta rarely plays alone: its job is rhythm, and at weddings and in bhangra it is most often heard driving along beside the dhol.

Who made the chimta famous?

The folk singer Alam Lohar is credited with carrying the chimta to audiences around the world, playing it as he sang. His son Arif Lohar keeps that family sound alive today, and singers such as Kamal Heer also perform with the instrument. Because anyone can pick it up and join the beat, the chimta remains a fixture of folk songs, bhangra sets and Gurbani kirtan alike.