The Humming Tree presents O Gaanewali

The Humming Tree presents O Gaanewali invites audiences into an intimate world of music, stories and cultural heritage, bringing the atmosphere of a traditional mehfil to contemporary Bengaluru.

The performance celebrates musical traditions that were preserved and popularised across generations by tawaifs and women musicians. Through a carefully curated repertoire, O Gaanewali explores expressive forms including Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Jhoola, Sawan, Kajari and Ghazal, allowing audiences to experience the emotional depth and poetic beauty of these traditions.

What makes the experience distinctive is the combination of live music and storytelling. Rather than simply presenting songs on a stage, the performance explores the stories and cultural context surrounding the music, creating an interactive and immersive experience inspired by the traditional mehfil format.

The production is led by a five-member ensemble of young musicians and vocalists trained under Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Having travelled across India with more than 80 performances, O Gaanewali continues to evolve while keeping its musical roots at the centre of the experience.

Hosted at The Humming Tree in Indiranagar, the evening brings together India's rich musical heritage and Bengaluru's contemporary live-performance culture. The experience also includes group seating and a curated set menu for applicable ticket categories, making it suitable for an evening of music, conversation, food and cultural discovery.

Whether you already enjoy Hindustani classical and semi-classical music or are simply curious about discovering a lesser-explored chapter of India's musical history, O Gaanewali offers a thoughtful and accessible way to listen, learn and connect.

The Humming Tree presents O Gaanewali offers a unique opportunity to experience India's rich semi-classical musical heritage through live music, storytelling and the intimate atmosphere of a traditional mehfil. The Bengaluru performance is scheduled for 17 September 2026 at The Humming Tree, Indiranagar.

Here are some reasons to attend:

• Experience a Traditional Mehfil Atmosphere: Enjoy an intimate performance format inspired by the traditional mehfil, bringing the audience closer to the artists and music.
• Discover Tawaif Musical Traditions: Explore the important musical legacy associated with tawaifs and women musicians and the role they played in shaping India's musical culture.
• Enjoy Beautiful Semi-Classical Forms: Experience musical forms including Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Jhoola, Sawan, Kajari and Ghazal.
• Music Meets Storytelling: The performance combines live music with storytelling, adding cultural context and making the experience more immersive.
• Hear a Trained Ensemble: The five-member ensemble features young musicians and vocalists trained under Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.
• Experience a Well-Travelled Production: O Gaanewali has already travelled across India with more than 80 performances, while continuing to develop its repertoire and format.
• Perfect for Music & Culture Lovers: If you enjoy Hindustani music, semi-classical traditions, ghazals or discovering lesser-known chapters of India's cultural history, this event offers plenty to explore.
• A Different Kind of Night Out: Instead of a conventional concert, enjoy an evening centred around music, stories, heritage and artistic connection.
• Enjoy the New Humming Tree: The 2026 edition takes place at The Humming Tree's new Indiranagar space, designed as a hub for music, art, culture and collaboration.