Raga Mala Calgary

This may have been Calgary's very first Dhrupad intensive workshop 🎶🪷

And what a way to begin!

For two unforgettable days, students gathered for more than 8 hours each day under the guidance of Pandit Uday Bhawalkar, a living legend, master musician, and one of the foremost torchbearers of the ancient Dhrupad tradition.

As the hours passed, a remarkable realization emerged: despite spending two full days immersed in this profound art form, we had only begun to glimpse its vastness. Every note, every breath, every lesson revealed just how deep the journey truly is.

Yet Pandit ji shared far ✨ more than music.

He spoke about dedication, patience, and the purpose of pursuing one's art. One piece of wisdom especially resonated with many participants: pursue music wholeheartedly, for “anand” (for the joy it brings). Everything else, he reminded us, will find its place when the pursuit itself is sincere.

These were not just lessons in Dhrupad. They were lessons in listening, learning, and living.

Our deepest gratitude 🙏🏽 to Pandit ji for sharing his knowledge, generosity, and time with Calgary's music community, our Calgary Gharana. The echoes of this weekend will stay with us for a long time to come.