Classicalweekly.org

Navratri: Vermillion, victory, and vocal mastery

Read how master musicians from Tansen to Pandit Jasraj have channeled Ma Durga's fierce compassion into ragas that resonate with her victory over…

Sep 26 • 

Ritesh Nayak

Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya - Raag Maalika with Sohani at its center

My father M R Rao passed from a cardiac event on the morning of June 21st of 2025. In his honor, I thought I'd write about one of his favorite songs.

Sep 14 • 

Ritesh Nayak

4

July 2025

Bole re papihara and the magic of Raag Miya Malhaar

From India's monsoon-powered history to the music it inspires. This post goes deep into Raag Miya Malhar and the classic "Bole re Papihara". I share my…

Jul 18 • 

Ritesh Nayak

5

May 2025

[Part 3] Raag Hamsadhwani - from the archives

Some more unforgettable compositions in Hamsadhwani by Ustad Amir Khan, Ramrang and others. Bonus content - live performance highlights for premium…

May 2 • 

Ritesh Nayak

March 2025

Raag Hamsadhwani - part deux exploring romance as a theme

This one is very special. I get to nerd out with my inspiration over a music piece. An exclusive recording of a hamsadhwani bandish being taught to a…

Mar 27 • 

Ritesh Nayak

Raag Hamsadhwani - from Vataapi to Hindustani classical music

Borrowed from the Carnatic school, this raag is now a mainstay in the Hindustani tradition. Its unique signature and melody make it unforgettable to the…

Mar 13 • 

Ritesh Nayak

2

February 2025

Raag Kaushik Dhwani a.k.a Nusrat Saab's crazy thaan at the end of Afreen Afreen

There are iconic songs and in rare cases, they even have sections that are iconic. This was my first introduction to Kaushik Dhwani, then came YouTube.

Feb 21 • 

Ritesh Nayak

Raag Megh on a rainy day featuring Pt. Parameshwar Hegde

Sangeethaamsha hosted its first baithak of 2025 in Belmont, and we witnessed a je ne sais quoi in the truest sense.

Feb 11 • 

Ritesh Nayak

2

January 2025

Mast Qalandar: Lyrics, meaning and significance

13th-century Sufi poem attributed to Amir Khusrow and later modified by Baba Bulleh Shah, celebrates the unifying figure of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a…

Jan 31 • 

Ritesh Nayak

2

Kun Faya Kun - meaning and the philosophy behind the lyrics

From its Quranic origins to A.R. Rahman's soul-stirring composition. Learn how this divine phrase meaning 'Be, and it becomes' transformed into a…

Jan 14 • 

Ritesh Nayak

8

1

Origin story of the Sarod, and its influence on Hindustani Classical music

Discover the Sarod: A fretless wonder that bridges Afghan and Indian classical music. From its fascinating origin story to its divine sound, learn why…

Jan 8 • 

Ritesh Nayak

December 2024

Happy Holidays: A gift to all our subscribers for your continued support!

Holiday wishes with a free gift for all subscribers of Classicalweekly. Thank you for following this space and making time for music.

Dec 26, 2024 • 

Ritesh Nayak