Description: The ektara [also known by its alternate names Gopiyantra or Gopichand] it is a single-stringed “monophone” plucked musical instrument from India. The ektara is played by plucking a single string and bending the two bamboo strips to change the pitch of the instrument. During performance the ektara produces a “ pluck-gong-pluck-gong-pluck-gong” type sound. The ektara is considered one of the ancient plucked percussion instruments of India. In North India there are 20 different varieties of ektara who currently exist. The ektara likely has originated with wondering minstrels and bards. The ektara is traditionally used in Kirtan a practice of Hindu devotional singing. The divine names of deities and mantras are called out in an ecstatic call and response during the performance. The ektara is also played by wondering holy men or “sadhu's”. In the Sufi tradition one employs the ektara to accompany chanting. The Bauls of Bengal are known to play the ektara. A form of ektara having two strings also is referred to as the name “dotara”. However this is not to be confused with the Indian two stringed lute “dotara”. The ektara is often tuned to the musician’s voice. The musician than plays the instrument by holding the ektara in the right hand and squeezes the two bamboo strips during the plucking of the string altering the pitch. Since the 1970s the ektara was made popular in North America when it was introduced by devotional Kirtan Wallas. One of the notable Kirtan wallah's was the legendary Western sadhu Bagavan Das who is the author of "Her Now, Are You"? Bhagavan Das he is also a famous Kirtan recording artist who plays the ektara. In Bangra music the Ektara is accompanied by vocals and the dhol.

Anatomy of the Ektara: Originally the membrane of the ektara would have a flexible bottom cut from animal hide. It is very common to see ektara's made with flexible synthetic materials. The two parallel strips of bamboo that hold the ektara together are actually carved from a single thicker piece of bamboo where the tuning peg is attached. The main string is strung through the centre of the animal hide it is attached to the single tuning peg.