From Amritapuri to Spain: A Student’s Journey of Learning the Headed Tambourine (Ganjira)

From Amritapuri to Spain: A Student’s Journey of Learning the Headed Tambourine (Ganjira)

by | Aug 5, 2023 | Amrita Virtual Academy, Music

During the coronavirus pandemic, we began offering online music classes.  Before, I only taught the Ganjira in person, and only at Amritapuri. Many students were eager to learn, but some could only visit the ashram for one or two weeks and so did not have enough time to delve deep into their studies or take many lessons. 

Since people couldn’t come to Amritapuri at all during the pandemic, we began to conduct Ganjira classes online through Amrita Virtual Academy, with great benefit.  As learning an instrument can take some time, students could progress from home at their own pace through a large variety of rhythms and beats. They could submit video assignments or join us for live sessions according to their own schedules. It was really inspiring to connect over Zoom and offer feedback and encouragement. Our students are so sincere and dedicated. Here is some feedback from one of our Ganjira students from Spain named Sridevi:

I have just finished the first Ganjira (Headed Tambourine) course and I want to share my experience with you.

As a whole, it has been a blessing, as are all of the ways Amma gives us to grow and become closer to ourselves. I would not say that learning a new instrument has always been easy for me, but the whole time I felt I was in the best company possible. During the classes I felt very well cared for — guided through all of the hurdles and gently brought out of any potholes on the road of learning.

I had never learned how to play any other instrument before I started the Ganjira course at Amrita Virtual Academy — a virtual holy space inspired by Amma. Because of this my progress felt slow, but the effort was worth it to grow closer to Amma’s teachings and the feelings of inner spiritual presence this musical sadhana offers. 

Learning an instrument is a very easy and sweet way to keep your mind on God all day, because you go so deep into the lesson that you can spend a great part of the day delving into the bhajan you are studying that week. It also helps us become oblivious to any toxic atmospheres we may be subjected to in our day-to-day lives. Bhajans are a great inner companion — always offering positive thoughts and vibrations — in contrast with what we sometimes have to hear when living in the world. Immersing ourselves in bhajans is like wearing a shield!

Devotional practices are always sweet, even from the beginning. However, trying to learn something new can be frustrating at times, and that is a great time to practice some of the qualities Amma constantly reminds us to cultivate: patience, acceptance, will-power, perseverance, determination to continue, focus, and self-confidence. It is a very long list!

Playing takes a lot of coordination, as the left hand also plays its part in making the music! One hand (the right) strikes the Ganjira, while the other hand (the left), helps tune and adjust the quality of the sound. I’m so grateful for this excellent step-by-step course, which helped me make strong progress in learning this instrument. 

I’m sure that anyone with an interest in learning the Ganjira will really enjoy this course, and soon be joyfully playing along with Amma’s bhajans. May the grace of the divine be with you all in your musical inner journey! May the Divine Mother bless us all with her presence within every time we pick up our instruments.

Om Namah Shivaya!
Sridevi

It really brightens my heart to hear such beautiful thoughts from this student, who obviously has been studying hard while connecting with the depths and deep benefits available from the gangira and other instruments we teach at Amrita Virtual Academy.

We are so grateful to all our students who have helped AVA come to life. It has been a beautiful few years together. We look forward to further learning and growing together. If you have any questions about the Ganjira, please contact us at support@amritavirtualacademy.com.

You can learn more about our online course here: https://courses.amritavirtualacademy.com/courses/ganjira

You can also see how the Ganjira is played here:

Wishing you grace in all your endeavors and studies.

In Amma,
Vipin
Ganjira Instructor, Amrita Virtual Academy

How to Select Kaimani (Hand Bells)

How to Select Kaimani (Hand Bells)

by | Mar 23, 2021 | Music

In order to really deepen one’s ability in playing an instrument, one must first truly understand it, appreciate it, learn about its historical significance, its physical properties, and how it’s used. Selecting any instrument is a highly personalized process and developing a special relationship of love and reverence towards it will help in honing in on the right instrument.

In the Kaimani: Level 1 Art of Handbells course, we spend some time learning about the ethnomusicology aspects of the Kaimani, its place in devotional music and its relevance in Amma’s bhajans. This kind of research and understanding will help you find the type of instrument you may be drawn to. Or maybe, I should say, that this kind of love and understanding will facilitate the process for the right instrument to find you!

What is a Kaimani?

Kaimani literally means hand (kai) bell (mani) in the Malayalam language. In North India, it is called Kartaal or Manjira or Manjeera. For South Indian Bharatanatyam (classical dance) it is known as Nattuvangam.

Used in temples and homes for centuries, this classical Indian instrument adds rhythm and beauty to devotional music. The bells create a soft and subtle tone, which are instrumental in keeping time. Notably, the Kaimani for Amma’s bhajans are tuned to specific keys (sruthis) and different sets of hand bells are often chosen based on the key of the bhajan.

Types of Kaimani

Bell Shaped Stringed Kaimani

There are two types of Kaimani that are most used. The first, and more common one, is the stringed Kaimani. The cymbal is typically flat, polished, shiny and made out of brass or other bell metals. If the cymbal surface is smaller, lightweight, it will have a brighter tone with less resonance. The other type of stringed Kaimani has a bell shaped, textured cymbal. It has a deeper tone with a lower pitch than the flat kind. The bell itself is usually darker in color than the flat, polished variety.

Beaded Kaimani

The second type of Kaimani utilizes wooden or plastic beads as the main handgrip on each cymbal. These bells are usually a darker color, more resonant and have a deeper tone. If the bell has more of a cupped shaped and textured surface, it may have a lower and more resonant tone. Generally, the beaded Kaimanis are also louder and their sound can be overpowering. When you’re trying out different pairs of Kaimani, it’s important to consider the context you may be playing it. For example, if you are just practicing on your own in a small space, you might want a smaller and flat Kaimani that is lighter and less resonant. However, if you plan to play for live bhajans or kirtan sessions amidst loud amplified music, then a more resonant or deeper toned Kaimani would better suit that particular context. The beaded Kaimani are the more preferred type in Amma’s bhajan group. However, I have personally cherished playing the stringed kind for some of Amma’s bhajan sessions in order to get lighter texture that’s better for recordings.

In my early days of playing percussion instruments, I was quite enamored in selecting my instruments and forged a deep love and lasting connection with them. In fact, I used to hold the tabla and sleep with it closeby. These instruments are manifestations of the divine; the love or bond you develop with your instrument will truly help you progress in your playing. 

If you are interested in getting a pair of Kaimani, please visit https://theammashop.org/

Learn more about the Kaimani by taking the Kaimani: Level 1- The Art of Handbells course

Wishing you all the best in your quest to find the perfect Kaimani & hope to see some of you in class!