Dhrupad Retreat
Feb 7-9, 2025
silence through sound ~
silence through sound ~
What is Dhrupad music?
Dhrupad is one of the oldest and most profound forms of Indian classical music, known for its meditative, soul-stirring sound.
Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, it emphasizes vocal clarity, spiritual depth, and the subtle use of microtones, where the constant resonance of the tanpura provides a harmonic foundation that invites deep, attentive listening.
Why is Dhrupad relevant?
Learning Dhrupad music is a journey into depth, discipline, and mindfulness. Its meditative, slow-paced structure cultivates patience, focus, and inner stillness, allowing one to connect deeply with sound and silence.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, Dhrupad offers not just musical skills, but a holistic approach to developing harmony in both body and mind. It teaches us to listen—not just with our ears, but with our whole being.
What can I expect from this retreat?
By the end of the three days, you will have:
Obtained an overview of the various elements of (vocal) Dhrupad music
Developed a holistic understanding & appreciation for the genre
Experienced an immersion into Dhrupad music through exercises that can be taken home for your own practice
Cultivated a deeper connection to both your voice and inner self, enhancing your sense of presence and mindfulness
Strengthened your ability to listen with focused attention, both to the music and to the spaces between the notes
Awakened a more resonant way of being that influences your interactions and overall approach to life.
Program
This is a sample schedule which will definitely vary depending on participants’ needs, progress and interest.
Day 1: Foundations – Breath, Aakar, Tanpura, and Introduction to Raga
Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
Introduction to Dhrupad: Overview of history, posture, and breath control
Breathing & Aakar Practice: Focus on breath, vocal steadiness, and producing steady notes with aakar
Introduction to Tanpura: Understanding its role in providing a steady drone and tonal center
Introduction to the Raga: Learn the raga’s notes, aroha (ascending) and avaroha (descending) movements
Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM):
Basic Exercises in chosen raga
Listening to the Tanpura: Active listening to deepen pitch accuracy
Q&A & Reflection
Day 2: Slow Alap, Techniques, and Dhrupad Syllables
Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
Review of Basic Exercises: Reinforce aroha and avaroha movements
Exploring Vilambit Alap (Slow Alap): Focus on listening and repeating the teacher’s slow rendition
Introduction to a few ornamentation techniques
Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM):
Introduction to Dhrupad Syllables
Practice of Vilambit Alap with Dhrupad syllables : Listen and repeat the teacher’s phrasing
Q&A & Reflection: Discuss progress and experiences with Vilambit Alap and syllables
Day 3: Madhya Laya, Faster Laya, Bandish, and Integration
Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
Continue Vilambit Alap practice
Transition to Madhya Laya (Medium Tempo): Practice the raga in medium and fast tempos
Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM):
Introduction to Bandish (Composed Composition): Learn a simple bandish in the raga
Practice of Bandish
Final Reflection & Group Sharing
For whom?
This program is open to all seekers. It is useful for:
* Those looking for a yogic approach to sound and music
* Music students who want to explore principles of Dhrupad/classical music
* Yoga practitioners who wish to improve their musical understanding
Do I need to know how to sing?
No. Musical ability is helpful, but not necessary. The intention of this retreat is to open up the powerfully transformative aspect of Dhrupad to all seekers.
We deepen our connection to our own breath, sound, and the pauses between them. We sensitive ourselves to the audible and inaudible sound vibrations that sounds us always, and of which we are composed.
Why Dhrupad music if I’m not a singer?
At the heart of Dhrupad music lies nada yoga, a practice focused on the profound relationship between sound, silence, and vibration. This path cultivates sensitivity and awareness, enriching our lives in several ways:
Breath, Sound, and Pauses: Dhrupad places great emphasis on breath control, making the relationship between breath and sound central to the practice. But just as crucial are the pauses—the spaces between the notes. These silences aren’t simply breaks; they are integral to the music itself. By learning to listen to these pauses, both the practitioner and listener can absorb the vibrations of sound, creating a deeper connection to music and to one’s own self.
Sound Vibrations (Audible & Inaudible): Sound is seen as a universal force in Dhrupad, and it’s believed that all sound—whether audible or inaudible—affects us. The subtle, inaudible vibrations are just as real as the sounds we hear. Through deep listening and practice, we tune into these vibrations, awakening a deeper awareness of the frequencies that surround us and even compose us. This view connects to the ancient idea that all things are made of vibration, a concept found across many cultures.
The Healing Power of the Tanpura: While the tanpura is traditionally used to tune the voice, its resonant sound has much more to offer. The rich harmonics of the tanpura can be deeply healing, grounding, and aligning. It helps attune us to the subtle frequencies of life itself, fostering a sense of wholeness and inner balance, even for those who may not sing.
The Facilitator
Niloy Ahsan perceives music as the embodiment of Prana, an inner symphony, and Dhrupad is his path to self-awareness. As a 21st generation maestro of the illustrious Dagar lineage, he stands as an extraordinary and rare vocalist, adorned with a distinct repertoire and profound comprehension of the essence of Indian music, along with mastery in traditional and classical styles of Dhrupad, Dhamar, and Khayal. Merging the asceticism of Dagarvani Dhrupad with the versatile melodic vistas of Sadharani Geeti, Niloy has emerged as one of the most captivating and promising Dhrupad vocalists of our time, exuding elegance and timeless grace.
More info: https://www.dhrupadniloy.com/
IG: @niloy_ahsan_dhrupad
Accommodation Options
You may book a room in the same premises as A Sunlit Path, just above the retreat space. This gives you the opportunity to experience a full, undistracted immersion into the field of practice and a natural and healing atmosphere.
For more information and registration
email info@asunlitpath.org
or Whatsapp +91-8870988843