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We’re thrilled to share that our work has been highlighted in EdexLive, the educational and cultural arm of The Times of India! The article “Rohan Manchanda: Championing India’s musical roots with Lokgharana” celebrates how our founder Rohan Manchanda and Lokgharana are reviving India’s classical and folk music traditions through innovative, community-driven efforts (EdexLive). 📝 Highlights of the Feature: We are incredibly honored by this recognition. Being featured by EdexLive underscores our mission: to preserve and celebrate India’s musical heritage—one sitar, one tabla, one learner at a time. This spotlight encourages us to continue expanding Lokgharana’s reach, empowering both artists and aspiring musicians. 👉 Read the full article here:Rohan Manchanda: Championing India’s musical roots with Lokgharana – EdexLive / The Times of India We’re grateful to The Times of India and EdexLive for amplifying our story—and even more excited about the journey ahead. Thanks for being part of this musical revival!

In a heartwarming validation of our mission and work, LokGharana has been recently featured in several regional and national newspapers, shining a spotlight on our efforts to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Indian classical music. From our grassroots initiatives in local communities to vibrant stage performances and educational outreach in schools and NGOs, these stories have captured the soul of LokGharana — not just as an institution, but as a living, breathing movement of music and culture. The newspaper articles beautifully highlighted how LokGharana is creating a platform for young, emerging artists alongside renowned masters of Indian classical music. Whether it’s the soulful strains of the sitar, the rhythm of tabla, or the powerful storytelling in a thumri or dhrupad performance, LokGharana is ensuring that every note echoes with authenticity. Our founder, Rohan Manchanda, was also recognized for his unwavering commitment to nurturing this cultural legacy. His vision — of taking classical music beyond the elite and making it a part of everyday life for the youth — was quoted and praised in several articles. https://bhagwasanatantimes.com/2025/05/26/हरिद्वार-की-मेहफिल-ऑन-स्/?amp=1

To mark partnership of Lokgharana and Medhansh, we are organizing “Bazaar-E-Khaas (The Urban Mandi)” on June 28th, inside a residential society setting. This isn’t just another event — it’s a curated experience designed to bring people closer to their roots. Here’s what makes Bazaar-E-Khaas special: A Shared Vision Lokgharana and Medhansh may operate in different domains, but our vision is shared — reviving Indian traditions in a modern world. While Lokgharana promotes the heritage of music, Medhansh brings ancient food practices to contemporary kitchens. This partnership is about creating mindful communities, where art meets health, tradition meets innovation, and people come together in celebration of culture. Join Us We warmly invite you to be a part of Bazaar-E-Khaas and witness how sound and sustenance can coexist beautifully. Come, experience the richness of Indian classical music, explore natural food products, and support small businesses who are keeping our roots alive. 📅 Date: 28th June📍 Location: A residential society near you (specific venue details to be announced soon) Together with Medhansh, we are setting the stage for something truly special — because every note of music and every grain of flour tells a story worth celebrating.

The concept of “Bazaar-E-Khaas” is simple: bring together music, natural living, and local business under one open sky. But the impact? Tremendous. Every such event organized by Lokgharana and Medhansh gives a stage to underrepresented voices — from folk artists to grain millers, from small startups to school kids with a passion for tabla. As India moves towards rapid urbanization, it’s events like these that offer an alternative — a sustainable, soulful way to stay rooted while reaching for the sky.

Music has the power to heal. So does the food we eat. That’s why Lokgharana and Medhansh have come together — not just to organize events, but to inspire a lifestyle grounded in Indian wisdom. While Lokgharana uses the science of sound (Naad) to calm minds and elevate spirits, Medhansh works on creating nourishment through traditional food processing methods like wood pressing and stone grinding. This collaboration is more than symbolic — it’s a movement to bring back balance in modern lives through ancient practices. Together, we are reminding people that wellness isn’t bought — it’s built, through awareness, authenticity, and alignment with nature.

At Lokgharana, we’ve always believed that music and culture are not just forms of expression — they are instruments of transformation. This June, we are thrilled to announce a unique collaboration that celebrates not only the rich heritage of Indian classical music but also the pure, grounded values of natural living. Lokgharana has partnered with Medhansh, a rising name in the world of FMCG products made using traditional and natural processes — from wood-pressed oils to stone-ground flours. Together, we are proud to launch an initiative that blends art, wellness, and community in a beautiful tapestry of Indian ethos.

The spotlight was truly on Lokgharana’s performers, who stole the show with their grace, dedication, and artistry. From melodic ragas to rhythmic percussion, every performance carried the essence of tradition blended with fresh energy. The audience, ranging from music lovers to curious onlookers, found themselves immersed in a mesmerizing musical journey. The warmth, discipline, and spiritual undertones that define Lokgharana’s training and philosophy were evident in every note. The applause was not just for performance — it was for authenticity. Adding to the energy of the event was the inspiring presence of Lokgharana’s founder, Rohan Manchanda. His arrival brought a wave of enthusiasm and encouragement. Not only did he take time to appreciate every artist’s effort, but he also interacted with fellow musicians, dancers, and artisans from other disciplines present at the event. Rohan shared his vision of a united cultural ecosystem — where all Indian art forms, whether musical or visual, classical or folk, can thrive side by side. He emphasized the importance of keeping our traditions relevant for the next generation, and the role of institutions like Lokgharana in making that happen.

Indian classical music, both Hindustani and Carnatic, is not merely a collection of ragas and talas—it’s a living tradition passed down through generations. One of the most distinctive and fascinating aspects of this tradition is the concept of the “Gharana.” At Lokgharana, our mission to preserve and promote Indian classical music cannot be complete without paying homage to these vital musical lineages. 🎵 What is a Gharana? In simple terms, a Gharana (meaning “house” or “family”) is a school or style of music that follows a particular set of aesthetic principles, techniques, and teaching methods. Each gharana has its own approach to performance, improvisation, and even the interpretation of ragas. The tradition of gharanas began around the 16th century and was formalized in the 18th and 19th centuries as musicians started codifying their unique styles and passing them on to disciples. These lineages often stemmed from one master artist whose innovations laid the foundation for a new musical identity. The Major Gharanas of Hindustani Classical Music There are several gharanas in the Hindustani tradition, each with its own character and contributions. Here are some of the most prominent ones: 1. Gwalior Gharana – The Oldest Pillar Considered the oldest gharana, it places a strong emphasis on clarity of swara (notes) and structure of bandish (composition). It’s known for its straightforward, unembellished style and is foundational for many musicians. 2. Kirana Gharana – The Voice of Emotion This gharana emphasizes voice culture and the beauty of each note. The slow, meditative unfolding of ragas is a hallmark, with legends like Abdul Karim Khan and Bhimsen Joshi carrying its legacy forward. 3. Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana – Architects of Complex Ragas Founded by Alladiya Khan, this gharana is celebrated for its use of rare and complex ragas and intricate layakari (rhythmic play). It demands great skill and patience from both performer and listener. 4. Patiala Gharana – The Bold & Flourishing Patiala gharana is known for its ornamentation, fast taans, and rich voice modulation. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan made this gharana popular with his expressive singing and powerful stage presence. 5. Agra Gharana – A Fusion of Styles This gharana combines dhrupad and khayal styles, emphasizing deep voice projection and rhythmic play. It has a robust and powerful aesthetic, often with a spiritual undertone.

In school across Uttarakhand, Lokgharana uses music as therapy — not as entertainment, but as a tool for transformation: Our goal is simple: bring ancient knowledge into modern lives to create more emotionally balanced and intellectually capable individuals.