DISCOVERING DEVI

The Divine Feminine Through Dhrupad, Bhakti & Sound

13–15 October | USADA, Bali
A 3-Day Immersive Workshop
With Dhani Gundecha & Guest Teacher

Enter the world of Devi, the Divine Feminine, through the meditative tradition of Dhrupad, one of India’s oldest surviving classical vocal traditions.

During the sacred period of Navadurga, this three-day immersive workshop explores the many dimensions of Shakti through music, devotion and the voice. From the gentle wisdom of Saraswati and the nurturing grace of the Divine Mother to the fierce transformative power of Kali, participants will explore themes of devotion, strength, compassion, justice and surrender.

The workshop features exquisite Dhrupad compositions dedicated to Devi, composed and rendered within the renowned Gundecha tradition.

Dhani Gundecha is one of the leading young vocalists in the Dhrupad tradition. He has performed and taught at prestigious music festivals and institutions around the world, bringing the depth of Dhrupad into a contemporary and immersive learning experience.

THE EXPERIENCE

Across three days, participants will explore Devi compositions through different Ragas and rhythmic cycles, while developing both vocal technique and a deeper relationship with the music.

The workshop includes:

• Voice as an expression of your being: breath, resonance, strength and vocal freedom

• Bhakti & Shakti: connecting with the devotional and transformative power of the Divine Feminine

• Raga & Tala: exploring the melodic and rhythmic structures within each composition

• Pakhawaj: experiencing the dynamic relationship between voice and percussion

• Improvisation: learning to move freely within the Raga and composition

• Fast-tempo singing: developing clarity, control, agility and rhythmic precision

• Individual vocal guidance: personalised feedback to deepen your practice

• Sound as therapy: intuitive singing practices that support the release of fear and psycho-emotional blocks, encouraging inner purification and spontaneous expression

THREE DAYS OF IMMERSION

DAY 1 — AWAKENING SHAKTI

Enter the world of Devi and the philosophy of Sagun Bhakti. Explore the voice through breath, resonance and foundational Dhrupad practices. Learn the first Devi composition while discovering its Raga and rhythmic structure.

DAY 2 — THE MANY FORMS OF DEVI

Deepen your repertoire through additional Devi compositions. Explore contrasting Ragas, rhythmic cycles and emotional expressions while working with Pakhawaj, developing improvisational skills and beginning to explore faster passages.

DAY 3 — GRACE & POWER

Bring the learning together through intensive vocal and rhythmic practice. Refine the compositions, explore improvisation and fast-tempo singing, receive individual vocal guidance, and develop a personal practice to continue beyond the workshop.

WHAT YOU TAKE HOME

Participants will leave with:

• A repertoire of traditional Dhrupad compositions dedicated to Devi

• Greater vocal strength, control and agility

• Tools for improvisation within Raga

• Experience of singing with Pakhawaj and rhythmic cycles

• Individual feedback and guidance

• Personal vocal practices to continue at home

• A deeper experience of Bhakti, Shakti and the expressive power of the voice

THE INVITATION

The Divine Feminine carries both tenderness and fierce protection, compassion and justice, creation and transformation.

Through the poetry and music of Devi, we are invited to recognise these qualities not only as divine ideals, but as forces that live within us.

May the blessings of Devi descend upon us all.
May suffering come to an end.
May grace accompany us through the challenges of life.
And may the voice become a vessel for strength, devotion and love.