Lucknow: The second day of the ongoing Dhrupad workshop at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya concluded in a highly inspiring and intellectually enriching environment. The workshop, dedicated to the profound tradition of Dhrupad, continued to witness enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students of the university.
The session commenced in the august presence of Head of the Vocal Department Prof. Srishti Mathur and Head of the Percussion Department Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, along with faculty members, scholars, and students of the Vocal Department. Their collective presence added academic depth and institutional support to the proceedings of the day.
The first session began with Omkar Sadhana, setting a meditative and spiritually charged tone for the workshop. This was followed by a collective rendition of the Ganesh Dhyana Mantra (“Vakratunda Mahakaya… Swayam Gajananam”) led by eminent Hindustani classical vocalist Prof. Madhu Bhatt Tailang. The devotional invocation created a deeply contemplative and disciplined atmosphere, aligning the participants with the traditional ethos of Dhrupad practice.
In the subsequent session, Prof. Madhu Bhatt Tailang introduced students to key elements of the Dhrupad tradition, including Ganesh Paran, structured sargam exercises set to rhythm, and an in-depth understanding of pakhawaj talas such as Adi, Chautal, and Ganasampada. She explained the structural framework of these rhythmic cycles, elaborating on their thekas and compositional architecture. Students were guided through systematic practice sessions, enabling them to grasp both the theoretical and practical nuances of these complex rhythmic patterns.
Participants engaged with remarkable enthusiasm, carefully exploring the subtleties of Dhrupad’s traditional style, its intricate tala system, and its disciplined methodology of practice. The interactive nature of the workshop allowed learners to clarify technical aspects and refine their understanding under expert guidance.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh remarked that Dhrupad represents one of the most ancient and dignified traditions of Indian classical music. She emphasized that workshops of this nature are vital for the preservation and promotion of such invaluable artistic heritage. Through these academic initiatives, students not only connect with the spiritual and traditional dimensions of music but also gain deeper insight into its theoretical and applied aspects.
Registrar Dr. Srishti Dhawan highlighted that academic and cultural activities of this kind contribute significantly to the holistic development of students. She reiterated the university’s commitment to encouraging programs that revive and sustain classical traditions like Dhrupad, ensuring their transmission to future generations.
The second day of the workshop thus stood as a meaningful confluence of devotion, scholarship, and rigorous musical training, further strengthening the university’s dedication to nurturing India’s rich classical music heritage.
