Dhrupad is not just music, it’s a form of worship

The Dhrupad Gurukul was established a decade ago in Kathmandu, Nepal, with a vision to preserve and promote the ancient tradition of Dhrupad, a form of classical music that has its origins in the Indian subcontinent. Under Vishal Bhattarai, a disciple of the renowned Gundecha brothers, and Inoue Sou, a dedicated artist and collaborator, the gurukul has become a key institution for the practice and teaching of Dhrupad in Nepal. It also provides a platform for students from diverse backgrounds, including the underprivileged.

“We started the gurukul to protect the deeply meditative and spiritual aspects of this music. Especially in Nepal, where this tradition is very limited, there was a need for an authentic space to learn and safeguard it,” he says.

Bhattarai, who trained in Dhrupad under the Gundecha brothers, has been actively performing and teaching this ancient form for more than 10 years. Mukesh Shakya, a group member is a talented pakhawaj player who learned under the legendary late Rabin Lal Shrestha, a prominent figure in Hindustani classical music. Shakya’s skill and dedication to the Dhrupad style have made him an invaluable member of the gurukul.

The gurukul also serves as a nurturing space for younger students, including Rajin Khadka, a flute player, and Keshav Badi, a differently-abled vocal student. Badi, who has been training at the gurukul since his early years, adds a unique dimension to the group’s work. His participation underscores the power of music to transcend barriers and touch the hearts of all, regardless of physical limitations.

“We have been teaching Keshav since his early years at the Disabled Service Association, and Rajin has been learning Dhrupad flute at our school for the past three years. Our shared dedication to this music and similar work ethic brought us together,” says Bhattarai. Khadka adds that Badi is talented, and they collaborate with him by focusing on communication and practicing with cues to ensure their coordination is smooth.

Dhrupad is a spiritual and meditative form of music with roots dating back to the Vedic chants of the Sama Veda. Dhrupad is not meant for entertainment. It’s for evoking inner peace and contemplation through sound. The gurukul wants to preserve a traditional form of music as well as make it accessible to younger generations.

“Some of the students come from underprivileged and challenging backgrounds and their parents have provided positive feedback, having observed how Dhrupad music has contributed not only to their children’s musical abilities but also to their emotional and spiritual growth,” says Bhattarai.

He believes that with the right guidance and dedication, the younger generation can come to appreciate and love it. “Some may like it, others may not, but for those who understand and embrace it, it becomes a lifelong love,” he says. 

Khadka says his goal is to keep learning and playing this beautiful music with his teachers (gurus) and to share it with others as much as possible and also to focus on connecting with modern audiences as well.

Khadka and Badi, both of whom have been at the gurukul for several years, represent the future of Dhrupad in Nepal. Badi, who faces physical challenges, is a testament to the fact that music transcends all boundaries. His vocal practice, along with Khadka’s flute playing, brings new life to the gurukul, allowing Dhrupad to evolve while staying true to its roots.

The gurukul has also made efforts to take Dhrupad beyond Nepal’s borders. Bhattarai and his team have performed internationally, sharing this ancient art with a broader audience. They see the potential for Dhrupad to connect with people worldwide, especially in today’s fast-paced digital world.

“For the young generation, Dhrupad offers a unique opportunity to connect with music at a deeper level. It’s a practice that requires patience, focus, and time, but the rewards are tenfold,” says Bhattarai. 

The future vision for Dhrupad Gurukul includes expanding its outreach, collaborating with other traditional music forms, and promoting cultural tourism. Bhattarai hopes that Dhrupad will gain international recognition, much like jazz, which shares the same core value of improvisation. “We believe Dhrupad is the ‘jazz’ of ancient music—it has improvisation at its core, just like jazz, but with a deeper spiritual essence,” he says. “Dhrupad is not just about music, it’s a form of worship, a way to connect with the universe and with our own inner selves.”

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and digital distractions, Bhattarai sees Dhrupad as an antidote to the noise of modern life. It offers listeners an opportunity to connect deeply with themselves. “In today’s world, pure traditional music like Dhrupad gives us the space to reflect, to meditate, and to reconnect with our inner selves,” he says.

Bhattrai stresses on the importance of training, discipline, and connecting with both modern and traditional audiences. Badi, as a differently-abled student at the gurukul, is not only an inspiring example of the inclusivity of Dhrupad, but also a testament to the universal power of music. “Music transcends all barriers,” says Bhattarai, “We hope that through this work, more people, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, can find peace and fulfillment through Dhrupad.”

By sharing the beauty of Dhrupad, both in Nepal and internationally, the gurukul hopes to inspire future generations to appreciate the richness and transformative power of classical music.