Chimta   literally means tongs. Over time it has evolved into a traditional percussion instrument ofSouth Asia by the permanent addition of small brass jingles. This instrument is often used in popular Punjabi folk songs, Bhangramusic and the Sikh religious music known as Gurbani Kirtan.

The player of the chimta is able to produce a chiming sound if he holds the joint of the instrument in one hand and strikes the two sides of the chimta together. The jingles are made of metal and thus it produces a metallic sound and helps to keep up the beat of the song. The late Alam Lohar is famous for playing this instrument and introducing it to global audiences. Today, musicians like Kamal Heer and Arif Lohar play this instrument. Also known as the “rusty tambourine sword”


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