DRUM CIRCLES BIND PUNEKARS IN A RHYTHM
A three-year-old sitting beside a 60-year-old, both playing drums; rarely do communities exist where generations connect, gender fades and rhythm takes over. Drum circles do away with the conventions of a musical gathering — the performer-audience gap. There is no stage, hierarchy, or set list, but community connection and expression. While they aren’t new to the city, what’s interesting is how they remain popular and continue to hold space for Punekars for getting together, taking a break from everyday rush, and unwinding with ooddles of music magic.
WHAT’S FUELLING THE POPULARITY?Simplicity and accessibility, along with music as a form of therapy are highlights. Spend a few minutes at a session, and you will notice how quickly people forget to look at their phones and are simply in the moment.
THE COMMUNITY PULLOne of the strongest pulls is the community connection. There are no barriers to entry, and the inclusivity is as deliberate as it’s organic.
Sunil Tendulkar, father of three-year-old Swarup — a regular at drum circles, said, “Swarup instantly connected with the rhythm and energy. His confidence in groups has soared.” For Shireen, drum circle feels like a space for emotional release. “A drum circle beautifully blends music, community, and personal healing,” said the teacher.
Sync with the group’s rhythm
Avoid overpowering others
Respect shared instruments and space
Stay open, inclusive, and non-judgemental
Why it ticks boxes:Stress relief through rhythmic movement
Improved coordination, focus, and sense of timing
Sense of belonging and shared creativity
Freedom to participate without pressure
Provides an emotional release for some
Ritual to unplug
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WHAT’S FUELLING THE POPULARITY?Simplicity and accessibility, along with music as a form of therapy are highlights. Spend a few minutes at a session, and you will notice how quickly people forget to look at their phones and are simply in the moment.
“People feel grateful for having a non-judgemental space, and for not having to think about anything else in those moments,” said Varun Vishvesh, facilitator, and head of Innovent Drum Circles. Their monthly community drum circle has seen a jump from 20-25 people a month to 400 people a month in roughly six years. What also helps is the ease that these sessions bring. “People walk in shy and reserved, but leave laughing and enjoying themselves,” said Preyas Kansara, facilitator and founder, Team Dhunn. the city
(Photo Jignesh Mistry)
RHYTHM MEETS HEALINGVarun Venkit of the 2005-creation, Taal Inc., considered pioneers of group drumming activities in the country, shared how reports from their ongoing arts and health intervention, called Art Talks, find positive changes in attendees over time.“We have observed reports of feeling a sense of belonging, release (catharsis), lightness, and community after the sessions,” said Varun. While one can feel transformative, he insists the real magic lies in consistency. “If you feel one session is amazing, try drumming over a period of time and watch as the magic unfolds effortlessly,” he added.
“Drumming is a powerful medium for emotional release and connection. Some of our youngest participants are three years old. One of our oldest participants was 98,” said Yudi Dhawale, who, inspired by African tribal communities’ connection to rhythm and community, started Pune Drum Circle.
<p>Yudi Dhawale facilitating a drum circle workshop in the city (Photo Jignesh Mistry)</p><p><br></p>
What’s a drum circle?It’s where people get together and play drums, mostly seated in a circular formation. Everyone who participates plays drums as one. Leading them is a trained facilitator. The stars right at the core? Djembe, Dununba, Kenkeni, Ashiko, Conga, Tambourine, woodblock, finger cymbals and even DIY sand-filled containers, among others.<p>Drum circle attendees playing Djembe and Tanzanian Ngoma (Photo Jignesh Mistry)<br></p>
At a drum circle:Listen before you playSync with the group’s rhythm
Avoid overpowering others
Respect shared instruments and space
Stay open, inclusive, and non-judgemental
Why it ticks boxes:Stress relief through rhythmic movement
Improved coordination, focus, and sense of timing
Sense of belonging and shared creativity
Freedom to participate without pressure
Provides an emotional release for some
Ritual to unplug
<p>With its deep tones, Djembe sits at the heart of drum circles and helps create a pulsating energy (Photo Jignesh Mistry)<br></p>
end of article
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