Welcome to Rajasthan - पधारो म्हारे देस - Music Workshop

Dates: 1st - 4th August 2024 
Venue 1: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at KCC Amphitheatre, 1st floor 
Venue 2: 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Marudhara, 6, Merlin Park, near Ballygunge Phari, Kolkata 700019 

Kicking off Ramjhol 2.0 with a special four-day workshop on Maand geet, the multi-faceted folk music of Rajasthan, facilitated by Padmashri Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammed. 

This workshop provides an immersive experience of traditional Rajasthani music. Participants will learn vocal techniques, Maand songs, rhythmic patterns, and musical ornamentation. The workshop includes practice sessions, cultural insights, and personalized feedback, culminating in improved singing skills and a deeper appreciation of Maand music.  

Recommended age: 16+ 

Registration fee: 1500 INR 

Register Now!

What you’ll learn:  


Vocal Technique Improvement: You’ll learn traditional Maand singing techniques, including vocal modulation, breath control, and ornamentation.  

Cultural Immersion: Gain a deep understanding of the Maand genre, its history, and its cultural significance in Rajasthani folk music.   

Repertoire Expansion: Learn a variety of traditional Maand songs, expanding your musical repertoire.  

Performance Skills: Enhance your ability to perform Maand music, focusing on expression, stage presence, and audience engagement.  

Musicality and Rhythm: Develop a better sense of rhythm and musicality, crucial for performing Maand and other folk music styles.  

Networking and Community: Connect with fellow musicians and folk music enthusiasts, creating a supportive community and potential collaboration opportunities.  

Artistic Expression: Gain confidence in your ability to express yourself through Maand music, enriching your overall artistic expression.  

Feedback and Personal Growth: Receive personalized feedback from experienced artists, helping you to identify areas for improvement and growth.  

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid foundation in Maand singing, a deeper appreciation for Rajasthani folk music, and enhanced performance skills.  

What will you cover: 


Introduction to Maand:  
History and origins of Maand music.  
Cultural significance and context within Rajasthani folk traditions.  

Vocal Techniques:  
Proper breathing techniques for sustained singing.  
Vocal warm-up exercises to enhance vocal range and flexibility.  
Techniques for maintaining pitch and tone quality.  

Basic Maand Songs:  
Learning the lyrics, melody, and structure of traditional Maand songs.  
Understanding the storytelling aspect of the songs.  

Rhythmic Patterns:  
Introduction to common rhythmic patterns used in Maand music.  
Clapping and tapping exercises to internalize rhythms.  

Musical Ornamentation:  
Techniques for adding ornamentation to enhance the musical expression (e.g. meend, gamak, and murki).  
Practice of specific vocal embellishments characteristic of Maand.  

Pronunciation and Diction:  
Correct pronunciation of Rajasthani words and phrases.  
Emphasis on clear diction to convey the song’s meaning effectively.  

Expression and Emotion:  
Techniques for expressing emotions through singing.  
Using facial expressions and body language to enhance performance.  

Practice and Repetition:  
Guided practice sessions to reinforce learned techniques and songs.  
Opportunities to perform and receive feedback.  

Instrumental Accompaniment:  
Introduction to traditional Rajasthani instruments that accompany Maand singing.  
Basics of collaborating with instrumentalists.  

About the Artistes:  

Shri Ali Mohammed, born on July 15, 1960, in Bikaner, Rajasthan, is a renowned Maand singer, a folk style popular in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Barmer. Along with his brother Ghani Mohammed, he has had a 40-year musical journey, initially trained by their father, Ustad Sirajudeen Khan. They have revived and promoted Mand, performing on national and international stages, and on radio and TV. Their popular albums include “Kesariya Balam,” “Supno,” “Moomal,” and “Kuijan.” They have judged TV shows and directed music in Indian cinema, working with singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Shri Ali Mohammed received the State Level Award (2022), Allahzilla Bai Award (2019-20), Sangeet Natak Academy Award (2022-23), and an award from Bikaner District Administration (2018). He and his brother are synonymous with Maand singing. They were awarded the Padmashri in 2024 for their excellence in folk singing.