Learn to Sing Devotional Music Rooted in Ragas

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18 January 2026
11:00 am

Begin your journey of learning to sing Bhajans with Shashwati Mandal

Join us for an inspiring online taster session with the gifted vocalist Shashwati Mandal, offering intermediate students a wonderful opportunity to explore the devotional art of bhajan singing. This introductory workshop is designed for those with some experience in Indian classical or devotional music who wish to deepen their understanding of bhajan fundamentals, including melodic structure, lyrical expression, and the spiritual essence that defines this beloved genre.

Shashwati will guide participants through traditional bhajan compositions, demonstrating essential techniques for conveying bhakti (devotion) through voice, whilst exploring the nuances of raga-based bhajans and their rhythmic variations. This taster session provides the perfect glimpse into Shashwati’s teaching approach and serves as an ideal introduction for those considering the full intermediate course, where students will further develop their ability to perform bhajans with authenticity and emotional depth. Don’t miss this chance to learn from an accomplished artist and discover the transformative power of devotional music.

About Shashwati Mandal

Shashwati Mandal is a captivating vocalist renowned for her soulful interpretations of bhajans and her deep connection to the devotional music traditions of India. With extensive training in Hindustani classical music, Shashwati brings technical precision and emotional authenticity to her performances, creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality that resonates with audiences across generations.

As a dedicated teacher, Shashwati is passionate about sharing the sacred art of bhajan singing, helping students not only master vocal techniques but also understand the spiritual and cultural context that makes this music so powerful. Her performances at temples, festivals, and cultural venues have earned her recognition as an artist who genuinely embodies the devotional spirit she expresses through song.

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Recorded at Darbar Festival 2008, on 6th April, at the Phoenix Theatre, Leicester. Musicians: - Shashwati Mandal (khayal & tappa) - Shahbaz Hussain (tabla) - Ajay Joglekar (harmonium) Raag Yaman Kalyan; Thaat: Kalyan; Samay: Evening Shashwati Mandal upholds the finest aspects of the Gwalior gharana, the oldest surviving style of khayal singing. She was born into a family of successful musicians - her grandfather Balabhau Umdekar 'Kundalguru' was a Scindias court musician in pre-Independence times. On her Uk debut concert in 2008 she is accompanied by Shahbaz Hussain (tabla) and Ajay Joglekar (harmonium). Shashwati performs Raag Yaman Kalyan followed by stunning tappas in Raag Khamaj & Raag Sohini in her signature Gwalior style and two taranas in her UK debut concert. Shashwati elaborates the tappas with complex patterns typical of her gharana. About The Artist: Shashwati initially trained under her mother Kamal Mandal. Between 1987-1992 she received a national scholarship from the department of Culture in India, enabling her to study ‘Tappa’ and ‘Khayal’ style with the veteran musician Pandit Balasaheb Poonchwale. A foremost disciple of Balasaheb. He quest for more knowledge in music brought Shashwati under the expert guidance of Pandit Madup Mudgal, Purnima Choudary and Gundecha Brothers. Subscribe to the Darbar Player to access the full, uncut performance.