India has always been a place of wonder. With its beautiful heritage that traces back thousands of years, India is granted to be stimulating and inspiring. Its abundance of richness in tradition and culture makes it one of the most exotic places on earth, and often rewarding to those seeking to explore the intimate and sophisticated music of South Asia.
Most of these unique art forms of music can be found in the historically enriched Rajasthan, a desert region also known as the “Land of Great Kings”. Rajasthan is perhaps one of the few places left in India where palaces, temples, fortresses and royalty co-exist alongside villages and tribes, allowing music to be its sole principal across all religion and classes, and a necessary ritual principal in events on all levels. This can be seen from their holidays and wedding ceremonies, music played when Kings went to war, to ancient traditional Sufi Qawwali music that became entertainment for the higher society. Rajasthan’s long and rich history of traditional music served as a unique binder to its variety of people, making it a place of pure inspiration.
I am happy to share with you that from February 14th to February 27th in 2016, I will be leading an exclusive tour to the spiritual music and dance worlds of Rajasthan, India. This special excursion will be guided by my friend and member of one of the leading Sufi families in Rajasthan, Sajida Ben-Tzur, who is also a dancer of the Kathak classic Indian and the Rajasthani folk dance traditions.
This once in a lifetime tour will be venturing into beautiful places like Udaipur (Venice of the East) where we will be cruising through Lake Pichola and admiring one of India’s wonder, the Maharaja Palace and City Palace, as well as other stunning locations like the city of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Ajmer, and Jaipur.
Udaipur: Venice of the East
Jaisalmer: Home of the Manganiyer tribe
We will also discover the origins of Flamenco and Gypsy music through a rare musical jam session with the court musicians of the Manganiyer tribe. Another exclusive session includes a visit to the home of a Khaber tribal family to witness the traditional Terah Taali dancers, drummers and musicians of their village.
Terah Tali Dancers
We will also learn the art of the classical meditative Indian music and their healing power of musical modes from master-musicians, as well as the ‘Bhopa Bhopi’ storytellers with their acrobatic wild dance of the snake catchers.
“Nagara” culture and the folk rhythms in Pushkar
On top of this, we will also be able to enjoy the open markets to shop for traditional goods, and enjoying authentic, safe and clean Indian cuisines.
The Sufi sacred city of Ajmer
My friends, the above description is only a portion of what is in store for the tour. I invite you to join me and Sajida to explore the breathtaking journey into the heart and soul of India that is Rajasthan. The abundance of its ancient and traditional musical richness is sure to play a big influence in your spiritual journey.
Below are tour-related links provided for your convenience.
Credit Card Authorization Forms
For the Tour to India website, click here.
For the Tour to India Facebook pages, please visit:-
https://www.facebook.com/events/1422520974708106/
https://www.facebook.com/events/784471911641506/
A wonderful journey is nothing without great company. So I hope you will be able to join me and Sajida in this once in a lifetime tour. I personally look forward in leading and sharing this unique experience with all of you.
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