Khartal is a simple form of instrument, made mostly of wood, sometimes of metal. One of them is referred to as ‘male’ and the other ‘female’. The player makes them clap together to raise the rhythmic sound of music, a kind of idiophone of a self-sounding instrument. its parts function as vibrators and resonators.
One part of Khartal is clung to the thumb of the player, mostly the male part, while the other part is stuck to the ring finger of the same hand, the blocks with its jingling metal balls are decorated. When clapped together, they make such a rhythm that goes well with kirtan or bhajan. The correct way of positioning Khartal blocks as interpreted astrologically is as the ring finger representing fire element, associated with Sund and the root chakra, providing sustained strength, power, stamina and assertiveness for the player.