How to Experience Authentic Performances:
Best Locations:
Chaiti: Assi Ghat at sunrise (March 15-April 15)
Kajri: Shivala Ghat during first monsoon showers
12-06-2025
Back
Chaiti & Kajri: The Monsoon Melodies of Longing (With Lyrics & Notation)
Additional Information
Sample Lyrics with Notation (Kajri):
E - - G - A - C | B - A - G - -
"Badarwa barse cham cham"
(The clouds pour down rhythmically)
"Badarwa barse cham cham"
(The clouds pour down rhythmically)
Upcoming Events:
July 25: Kajri Sammelan at Tulsi Ghat (5 AM)
Aug 12: Full Moon Kajri Boat Procession
Aug 12: Full Moon Kajri Boat Procession
Where to Learn:
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya offers summer workshops
Smt. Rajeshwari Dutta teaches private Kajri classes
Smt. Rajeshwari Dutta teaches private Kajri classes
Hori: The Raucous Rapture of Banaras' Holi (With Festival Guide)
2024 Holi Music Schedule:
March 24:
4 AM - Dhamaar Hori at Sankat Mochan
Noon - Ang Hori competition at Lanka Crossing
3 PM - Phag Hori pub crawl through Golghar alleys
March 24:
4 AM - Dhamaar Hori at Sankat Mochan
Noon - Ang Hori competition at Lanka Crossing
3 PM - Phag Hori pub crawl through Golghar alleys
Lyrics Decoder:
"Rang de chunariya" appears playful but contains:
Rang = Maya (illusion)
Chunariya = Atman (soul)
Secretly teaches detachment through color play
Rang = Maya (illusion)
Chunariya = Atman (soul)
Secretly teaches detachment through color play
Safety Tips:
Purple = Safe zones (serious musicians)
Red = Rowdy areas (prepare for lewd lyrics)
White = Sober spiritual singing circles
Red = Rowdy areas (prepare for lewd lyrics)
White = Sober spiritual singing circles
Birha & Biraha: The Blues of the Ganga Plains (With Field Recordings)
Rare Recording Access:
Ghat Birha (1947) by Ramlal Dom:
Available at ASI Archives (Rs. 500/day listening fee)
Rail Biraha (live):
Every Tuesday 3:15 PM at Mughal Sarai Station
Ghat Birha (1947) by Ramlal Dom:
Available at ASI Archives (Rs. 500/day listening fee)
Rail Biraha (live):
Every Tuesday 3:15 PM at Mughal Sarai Station
Modern Covers Worth Hearing:
"Birha Electronica" by DJ Ghatam (Spotify)
"Biraha in Blue" jazz adaptation at Brown Bread Bakery
Academic Resources:
BHU Folk Music Dept.'s Birha Scale Analysis (2023)
"Tears as Musical Theory" thesis at IIT-BHU library
"Biraha in Blue" jazz adaptation at Brown Bread Bakery
Academic Resources:
BHU Folk Music Dept.'s Birha Scale Analysis (2023)
"Tears as Musical Theory" thesis at IIT-BHU library