Program Guide | Kālacakra: Transcending Time Through Rāgas

What's Hindustani music?

Hindustani music is one of two major forms of classical or art music found in India today, typically finding its representation across the North of India as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the other major form Carnatic music being represented across the South and Sri Lanka. Khayal is one of the primary subgenres of Hindustani vocal music. It represents a confluence of older musical traditions such as Prabandha, Dhrupada, and Qawwali. It developed an identity of its own in the royal courts of India, beginning with the Delhi Sultanate, and culminating at the courts of the Gaekwad kings of Baroda. It is primarily an improvised form, with the song-text providing a basis for spontaneous musical creation within the grammar of the raga (melodic form) and tala (rhythmic cycle). In modern times, Khayal has continued to evolve as one of the many living Indian performing art traditions practiced today. Dhamar is a style and a compositional form under the umbrella of Dhrupada music, another primary subgenre of Hindustani vocal music. Dhamars are typically themed around Holi, the springtime festival of colours.

What will be presented today?

Khayal | Raga Bhatiyar

Raga Bhatiyar is a complex, non-linear raga with a lot of interesting corners to explore musically and emotionally. There are different versions of this raga. The version I will present is related to another raga, Marva. I will present three compositions to develop a comprehensive immersion into the raga-scape.

Song-Text #1: Barani Na Jaye | Vilambit Tintala (slow-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Traditional

Meaning: Your face, which is like the moon, cannot be put in words.

Your movements, like a soft breeze, touch the body, but in this intoxication, you forget to face the beauty. Your gait, slow and gentle, is enough to mesmerize.

Song-Text #2: Dina Gaye Bita | Madhyalaya Tintala (medium-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit G.N. Natu

Meaning: The days of happiness have passed,

But their memory still lingers on the surface of the mind.

Now, what means can I use to erase this pain?

All efforts seem to fail.

I have not forgotten the moments that have passed,

But my heart still tries to forget.

Thoughts of happiness, thoughts of sorrow,

My mind swings like a restless bee,

Hoping for a resolution, but all hopes shatter.

Friend, who will restore this broken heart?

Song-Text #3: He Mana Mero | Druta Ektala (fast-paced 12-beat rhythmic cycle) | Akhil Jobanputra

Meaning: O my mind,

The world is a canvas of experiences,

You are the artist,

And the sense faculties are your tools of knowledge.

The outer and inner worlds are one,

Colors and forms in infinite variety,

They ring and ring (in the mind, like a bell) creating a treasure (an impression),

And this is the fulfillment of happiness.

Khayal | Raga Bhup Nat

Raga Bhup Nat is a jod (compound) raga of two ragas, Bhup (also known as Bhupali), and Shuddha Nat. It is a speciality of the Jaipur-Atrauli tradition and is not sung very often.

Song-Text #1: Malaniya Layi | Vilambit Tintala (slow-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Traditional

Meaning: The garland maker brings along small drops, picking and choosing one by one, the buds.

Jasmine, champak, and bela flowers,

The garland maker places them atop her head,

And a petal falls gently.

Song-Text #2: Sughara Banara Mora Aye | Druta Adachautal (fast-paced 14-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit Arijit Mahalanabis

Meaning: My charming lover has come, let us sing songs of joy,

All my friends come together to complete the ritual.

All my friends come together to decorate me,

Singing and playing the instruments, they make my heart happy.

I will place a garland of flowers around Krishna's neck.

Dhamar | Raga Bhairavi

A well-loved raga, Bhairavi has become associated with the finale of a concert. Therefore it makes sense this is being sung last! It is prevalent across all the subgenres of Hindustani classical music and is a raga that people often take liberties in.

Song-Text #1: Kahe Daro Ranga Picakari | Madhyalaya Dhamar (medium-paced 14-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit Arijit Mahalanabis

Meaning: Why are you spraying colours at me? O dark-hued one, you are a cruel and relentless player.

The colors are scattering everywhere,

What should I do? The one who looks like the evening's sky does not listen to me.

My entire garment is soaked in color.

Read this write-up going over the theme of the concert: