Dhammar Utsav: Breathing new life into a fading Holi tradition

As Holi approaches, a unique festival is set to bring renewed attention to dhammars, a rare genre of songs performed in the dhrupad style. Dhammar Utsav, an initiative dedicated to this fading musical tradition, will be held on February 22 at the Habitat Centre, Delhi, featuring performances by the Dhrupad Bandhu and Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar.

While dhammar taal, the energetic 14-beat rhythm cycle, is still commonly played by instrumentalists, the songs themselves have become increasingly rare. Traditionally linked to Holi, dhammars evoke vivid images of Krishna and the gopis drenched in colour. Today, however, the genre struggles for survival, with few new compositions emerging over the past century.

A push to revive dhammar compositions

The Dhrupad Bandhu, Sanjeev and Manish Jha, have been at the forefront of efforts to bring dhammars back into mainstream consciousness. Disciples of the renowned Gundecha Brothers, they have performed and taught the dhrupad form for decades. However, noticing that dhammars are rarely performed outside of Holi, they launched Dhammar Utsav to inspire fellow practitioners to compose new works and revive old ones.

“Our aim is not only to preserve dhammars but also to expand their reach beyond seasonal performances,” said Sanjeev Jha. “With this festival, we hope to encourage research and inspire musicians to rediscover forgotten compositions.”

A festival with deep roots

The festival is organised by the Hyderabad-based Dhruvpad Gurukulam Foundation, founded by octogenarian Smt Vijaya Ramam. A hospital administrator by profession, Vijaya’s passion for dhrupad led her to establish a modest gurukul in her home, where she mentors aspiring musicians and organises small concerts.

Also Read: Delhi: Has the curtain come down on Nukkad Natak?

She sees Dhammar Utsav as a crucial step in ensuring that this art form does not fade away. “Dhrupad is deeply meditative, and its beauty lies in its depth and complexity,” she said. “This festival is an attempt to bring more people closer to this tradition.”

From Vrindavan to Delhi

Last year, the festival was held in Vrindavan, the city most closely associated with Holi, and featured performances by Pt Uday Bhawalkar and the Dhrupad Bandhu. Bhawalkar’s rendition of a rare dhammar in Raga Bhairavi was one of the highlights of the event.

This year’s edition in Delhi promises another immersive experience, with the Dhrupad Bandhu opening the festival and Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar delivering the closing performance.

As the colours of Holi fill the air, Dhammar Utsav is set to remind audiences of the vibrant yet overlooked tradition of dhammar, ensuring it finds its rightful place in India’s rich musical heritage.