Drum beats and dancing souls: What is the Science?

When the drum begins to beat, the atmosphere springs to life. Both the drummer and the listeners often find themselves transported to another realm, far removed from their immediate surroundings.

The experience can be so intense that both participants and spectators frequently describe feeling as if they’re losing control, struggling to stay grounded.

A man performs to the beat of a drum at Shah Jamal Darbar in Lahore.Nukta

In Pakistan, the tradition of drumming and traditional dance is more than a staple of weddings and celebrations; it holds a deep-rooted connection to the country’s shrines.

Every Thursday, a unique energy unfolds at the shrine of Baba Shah Jamal in Lahore, drawing both locals and foreigners eager to witness the captivating fusion of rhythm and movement.

Legendary drummers Pappu Saeen and Ghugha Saeen gave drumming a renewed identity in Lahore, drawing large crowds who lost themselves in the mesmerizing beats of their drums. Although these two icons are no longer with us, Pappu Saeen’s son, Qalandar Baksh, along with his companions, continues to carry forward their legacy.

Drum performance at Shah Jamal Darbar, Lahore. Nukta

Observing these performers move and sway, seemingly oblivious to the world around them, I often wonder: does the beat of the drum truly have a tangible impact on the human brain? Could there be a link to human hormones, or is this experience rooted purely in psychology?

Musicologist Tahseen Wajahat believes that music is far more than just a collection of sounds; it possesses its own language that speaks directly to both heart and mind.

Dr. Rafia Rafiq, head of the Applied Psychology Department at Punjab University, explains that music—particularly drumming—activates specific enzymes in the brain, leading people to sway, dance, and even feel a deep sense of peace.

According to her, listening to upbeat music for just eight continuous minutes or sad music for thirteen minutes can notably alter one’s mood.