Chhika Sap is a traditional folk instrument of
Punjab. It is a kind of clapper used during the folk dances. The word ‘sap’ means ‘snake,’ referring to its appearance.
Chhika Sap is constructed from wooden sticks, which are about a foot long and an inch wide. These sticks, numbering 14 to 20, are joined in a crossed fashion, which can be stretched and contracted. On contraction the length of this instrument measures only 1 foot. It is adorned with tassels, pom-poms and colorful paper cut-outs.
The ends of Chhika Sap are contracted and stretched to produce a sound similar to clapping of many hands.
