The Resonance Within: A Journey into Banaras Gayaki & Naad Sadhana — A Workshop with Pandit Prosenjit Chakraborty
23-27 November, 2026
“From Naad to Nirvana , discovering the spiritual essence of Indian Classical Music through the timeless tradition of the Banaras Gharana.”
About the retreat:
This 5-day residential workshop is rooted in the philosophy of Naad Brahma ,”Sound as the Divine”. Indian Classical Music has long been regarded as a path to inner awakening, and this programme invites participants to experience music not merely as performance, but as a contemplative practice that nurtures awareness, presence, and compassion.
The programme integrates the musical heritage of the Banaras Gharana with mindfulness, meditation, and the Guru–Shishya tradition , exploring how sound becomes a vehicle for inner transformation. Across five days, participants move through a single sacred arc: from the first breath of Naad to the final offering of music as Nirvana.
This residential workshop will be facilitated by Pandit Prosenjit Chakraborty.
The teaching draws on authentic Guru–Shishya tradition, making the philosophy of Indian Classical Music accessible to contemporary learners.
Tentative Schedule:
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Morning Session
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Afternoon Session
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Evening Session (Musical Satsang / Reflection)
Day 1 — Awakening through Sound
Naad Brahma: the beginning of the journey
Morning: Inauguration and Guru Vandana; introduction to Naad Brahma as meditation; spiritual heritage of Indian Classical Music; Banaras Gharana history, lineage & philosophy; voice culture, breath awareness, Kharaj Sadhana.
Afternoon: Fundamentals of Swara, Shruti, Laya & Raga; mindful listening; Riyaz as a discipline of awareness; guided practice with the Guru.
Evening: Musical Satsang; bhajans and meditative compositions; reflection on sound, silence & inner stillness; interactive dialogue.
Day 2 — The Language of the Raga
Music as devotion
Morning: Structure of a Raga; Alap, Vistar, and Bandish; Banaras Gharana approach to melodic development; guided practical training.
Afternoon: Voice modulation; Meend, Gamak, Bol-Alap, and Bol-Taan; individual mentoring and refinement; mindfulness in vocal expression.
Evening: Morning and evening ragas as meditative states; guided listening to legendary Banaras maestros; group reflection.
Day 3 — Music as Inner Expression
Bhava, Rasa & Consciousness
Morning: Bandish as the heart of a Raga; exploring Bhava and Rasa; singing with emotional authenticity; practical presentation.
Afternoon: Layakari and rhythmic awareness; interaction with Tabla and Harmonium; ensemble practice; listening through presence, not performance.
Evening: Banaras as the City of Saints, Music & Spirituality; influence of temples, Ganga & devotional traditions; Tanpura meditation and Swara contemplation.
Day 4 — Refinement and Presence
Preparing for sacred performance
Morning: Advanced Raga presentation; individual coaching; voice refinement; stage discipline with awareness & humility.
Afternoon: Full rehearsal with Tabla and Harmonium; performance techniques; constructive feedback; final corrections.
Evening: Guru’s recital; Musical Satsang; reflections on music as a lifelong spiritual path; preparation for the final presentation.
Day 5 — Celebration of the Journey
From practice to offering
Morning: Guided revision; rehearsals; sound check; blessings from the Guru.
Afternoon: Guided revision continued; final rehearsals; sound check & preparation.
Evening: Invocation and Guru Vandana; student presentations; special recital by Pandit Prosenjit Chakraborty; certificate distribution & vote of thanks; Mangalam
What participants will carry forward:
Philosophical foundations: The deep roots of Naad Brahma.
Banaras Gharana aesthetics: Core artistic principles of the gharana.
Mindful Riyaz: Disciplined vocal practice through awareness.
Raga & Bandish: Practical knowledge of raga, bandish & improvisation.
Music as meditation: Experiencing music as a contemplative discipline.
Performance confidence: In individual & group performance.
Guru–Shishya tradition: Deepened appreciation for this living lineage.
Everyday integration: Weaving mindfulness & music into daily life.
About the facilitator:
Prosenjit Chakraborty is an accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist of the Banaras Gharana and a distinguished disciple of Padma Bhushan Pandit Rajan Mishra and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra, and Pandit Mohanlal Mishra. Having shown a deep affinity for music from an early age, he has devoted himself to the lifelong sadhana of sur and laya. His musical journey has taken him across numerous concert halls, temples and festivals across the country, where his performances are marked by a deep understanding of raga, emotion and tradition.
Alongside classical khayal, Prosenjit is also well-versed in the rich semi-classical traditions of thumri, dadra, chaiti and kajri. Rooted firmly in the Banaras tradition, his music reflects both the discipline of his training and a profound spiritual connection with music. For him, music remains a pathway to inner expression and spiritual sublimity, allowing him to create a deep and lasting connection with his listeners.
Contact: Email: [email protected]
Phone: 08961169113 / 09748842963
By donation | Stay and Meals at Actuals
For queries, registration & accommodation, please email: [email protected]