City’s New Rhythm Ritual: Beating your own drum maybe the best therapy

There’s a certain kind of magic in sitting in a circle with strangers, a djembe in your lap, and no expectations except to play. The first beat feels almost unsure – but soon the rhythm takes over. Hands move faster, tapping louder, slowly turning into a shared pulse. In Kolkata, drum circles are becoming a go-to wellness ritual, where people come not to perform, but to let go, one beat at a time. Calcutta Times attended one such drum circle session at Yours Truly Coffee Roasters, and the experience was nothing short of immersive

We conduct grief and anxiety circles, but the experience goes beyond specific emotions. It’s less about skill and more about surrendering, pacing yourself, and using rhythm to access unexplored parts of yourself

– Mansi Sanghvi Bhayani of Marga Wellness Studio

From a drum circle session at Yours Truly Coffee Roasters

Why you should try it

• It can significantly boost self-confidence in a therapeutic setting, while fostering a strong sense of belonging and togetherness. It can also help shed the fear of being judged.
• It helps build positive group dynamics by encouraging healthy competition, collaboration, and creativity among participants.
• It’s a great alternative for those who find one-on-one therapy sessions uncomfortable or awkward, offering a more relaxed environment.
• The practice offers introspection and a sense of accomplishment, validation, and novelty.– Inputs by Mansi Sanghvi Bhayani, mental health professional and life coachPhysically, it helps release anxiety and allows long-suppressed emotions to surface and be let go of. Mentally, it brings clarity – your thoughts begin to streamline, grounding you in the moment– Nitin Virat
  A healing experienceAt its core, the healing drum circle is rooted in a simple belief: “Where harm has been caused collectively, healing too can emerge through the collective.” What began as informal gatherings has now evolved into a structured wellness practice across curated spaces. “Rooted in the link between music, rhythm, and healing, the initiative addresses modern stress by guiding people back to balance and inner harmony,” says Som Banerjee, of The Healing Drum Circle , adding, “In corporate settings, this translates to better coordination, sharper focus, and renewed motivation.
• font-size: 16px; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.3px;Drum circles as a wellness practice
• Positioned as a rising wellness practice, this activity offers an immersive way to reconnect with body and mind. Participants often report sensations like redness and tingling in the hands – signs of active, engaged relaxation. “Research links these experiences to increased oxytocin – the bonding hormone. Participants report stress relief, flow states, and feeling energized. With no right or wrong way to play, the space feels freeing and accepting. Beyond processing grief or anxiety, drum circles foster joy, curiosity, and nostalgia. Be it at corporate events to weddings and birthdays, drum circles are gaining traction in Kolkata,” says Nitin Virat of Drum Circle Facilitator and Founder of Roar Drumming
  Community drumming reflects the Law of Resonance. Collective rhythm creates harmony. Participants sync emotionally & rhythmically, feeling like a single heartbeat– Som Banerjee
• Drum circle facilitators say group drumming may help reduce cortisol, boosts dopamine, and promotes neural synchronisation leading to a sense of calm
• Physically, it helps release anxiety and allows long-suppressed emotions to surface and be let go of. Mentally, it brings clarity – your thoughts begin to streamline, grounding you in the moment– Nitin Virat

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