O Gaanewali – A Celebration of Tawaif Music, Thumri, Dadra and Mehfil Traditions
Experience the Music of a Lost and Living Tradition

Step into an intimate world of timeless melodies, poetic expression and the rich musical traditions associated with tawaifs and women musicians. O Gaanewali is a live music and storytelling experience that celebrates an important yet often overlooked chapter of India's musical heritage.

Bringing together classical and semi-classical forms such as Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Jhoola, Sawan, Kajari and Ghazal, the production explores the music, stories and cultural traditions that flourished in intimate mehfil settings.

Through live singing, musicianship and storytelling, O Gaanewali recreates the atmosphere of a traditional mehfil while presenting it in a format that is accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.

About O Gaanewali

O Gaanewali celebrates music that was popularised and preserved by tawaifs and women musicians across generations.

Rather than presenting these musical forms simply as historical pieces, the show creates an immersive experience where stories, songs and musical traditions come together.

The performance includes a carefully selected repertoire covering multiple allied forms of North Indian semi-classical and traditional music.

Audiences can experience the emotional depth of Thumri, the expressive beauty of Dadra, the festive character of Hori, the seasonal moods of Chaiti, Jhoola, Sawan and Kajari, along with the poetic richness of Ghazal.

Each musical form carries its own history, mood and cultural context, allowing the evening to become a journey through India's diverse musical traditions.

A Contemporary Mehfil Experience

At the heart of O Gaanewali is the traditional concept of the mehfil — an intimate gathering where musicians and audiences share a close and interactive musical experience.

The show uses storytelling and live performance to recreate this atmosphere for today's audiences.

Instead of feeling like a distant stage performance, the format encourages listeners to connect with the stories behind the songs and understand the emotions that shaped these musical traditions.

The combination of music, narrative and intimate presentation makes O Gaanewali a distinctive cultural experience for both experienced listeners and people discovering these genres for the first time.

A Young Ensemble Rooted in Tradition

O Gaanewali is led by a five-member ensemble of young musicians and vocalists.

The artists have been trained under Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, bringing a strong foundation in Hindustani classical music to the performance.

Their training and musical approach allow the ensemble to explore traditional forms while presenting them with freshness and accessibility.

The result is a performance that respects the depth of the repertoire while creating a welcoming experience for modern audiences.

Over 80 Performances Across India

O Gaanewali has travelled across India and presented more than 80 performances.

With every performance, the ensemble continues to develop its repertoire and refine its format.

This evolving approach allows the production to remain rooted in its musical traditions while adapting to different audiences and performance spaces.

For audiences in Bengaluru, the show offers an opportunity to experience a thoughtfully curated performance that connects India's musical past with its contemporary cultural landscape.

What Makes O Gaanewali Special?

O Gaanewali stands apart because it is more than a conventional concert.

It brings together:

Hindustani semi-classical music.
Traditional songs associated with tawaifs and women musicians.
Thumri and Dadra.
Hori, Chaiti, Jhoola, Sawan and Kajari.
Ghazal and allied musical forms.
Live storytelling.
An intimate mehfil-inspired atmosphere.
A young ensemble trained in Hindustani classical music.
Traditional repertoire presented for contemporary audiences.

The experience is designed for anyone interested in Indian classical music, semi-classical music, cultural history, storytelling and live performances.

Curated Dining Experience

Tickets for this show also include a specially curated dining experience.

Guests attending in groups of three or four will receive seating arranged for their group along with a curated set menu.

The set menu includes two starters, one main course and one dessert per person.

This combination of live music, intimate seating and curated food creates an evening that can be enjoyed as both a cultural experience and a relaxed social gathering.

About The Humming Tree

The event takes place at The Humming Tree, a venue with a significant place in Bengaluru's independent music and cultural ecosystem.

During its original run from 2013 to 2019, The Humming Tree became a well-known grassroots performance venue and a platform for independent musicians, artists and creative communities.

In 2026, The Humming Tree returns in a new, purpose-designed space in Indiranagar.

The new venue spans approximately 12,000 square feet and features a performance space with a capacity of more than 600 people.

It is equipped with modern sound and lighting systems and offers a diverse food and beverage selection, creating an environment designed for live performances and cultural experiences.

More Than a Performance Venue

The Humming Tree describes itself as more than a place to watch performances.

Its new space is designed as a hub for creativity, culture and collaboration, bringing together music, art, food and community.

Hosting O Gaanewali in this setting creates an interesting meeting point between traditional Indian music and Bengaluru's contemporary independent cultural scene.

The venue's intimate yet professionally equipped environment provides an appropriate setting for a performance built around storytelling, live music and audience connection.

Who Should Attend O Gaanewali?

O Gaanewali is ideal for:

Indian classical and semi-classical music lovers.
Fans of Thumri, Dadra and Ghazal.
People interested in traditional Indian music.
Audiences curious about tawaif musical traditions.
Anyone who enjoys live storytelling.
Couples, friends and families looking for a cultural evening.
People discovering Hindustani music for the first time.
Those looking for a unique live music experience in Bengaluru.

You do not need to be an expert in Indian classical music to enjoy the performance. The storytelling format helps introduce audiences to the songs, traditions and cultural context in an accessible way.

Things to Know
Entry is allowed for guests of all ages.
Tickets are required for guests aged 5 and above.
A valid ID proof is required for entry.
Accepted identification includes Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence or Passport.
Pets are not allowed.
The event takes place at an indoor, air-conditioned venue.
Seating is pre-assigned.
Photography and recording are allowed.
Re-entry is not permitted once you have exited the venue.
Tickets for groups of three or four include group seating and the curated set menu.
The set menu includes two starters, one main course and one dessert per person.
Terms and Conditions
Please carry a valid ID proof along with you.
All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable.
If the event is cancelled, guests will receive a full refund.
If the event is rescheduled, guests may retain their tickets for the rescheduled date or opt for a refund, as applicable.
Security procedures, including frisking, remain at the discretion of the management.
Dangerous or potentially hazardous objects are not permitted inside the venue. This includes weapons, knives, firearms, fireworks, helmets, laser devices, bottles, musical instruments and other prohibited items.
Sponsors, performers and organisers are not responsible for injuries or damages occurring during the event.
Guests who are in an inebriated state may not be permitted entry.
Organisers reserve the right to deny late entry.
Venue rules apply to all guests.
A Journey Through Music, Memory and Storytelling

O Gaanewali offers a chance to experience Indian music through a different lens.

By bringing together traditional musical forms, storytelling and an intimate mehfil-inspired format, the performance creates a bridge between India's rich musical history and today's audiences.

From the expressive world of Thumri and Dadra to seasonal compositions, Ghazals and other allied forms, the evening celebrates music that has travelled across generations.

With a five-member ensemble, more than 80 performances across India and training rooted in the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, O Gaanewali presents a thoughtful and immersive cultural experience.

Set within the renewed creative atmosphere of The Humming Tree in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, the event promises an evening where music, stories, food and community come together.

Come for the music. Stay for the stories. Experience the mehfil.