The Ganda Bandhan ceremony in our musical culture is a deeply spiritual experience, bordering on the surreal, not just for the student and teacher, but for all present. Ganda, meaning thread, and Bandhan, meaning tying, is a significant and auspicious ritual in Pakistani and North Indian classical music.
Historically, a Mauli, also known as Kalava or Charadu, is used as the Ganda. Cotton strings are spun and dyed in bright red and yellow colors to make the thread. Some musicians prefer threads of seven colors or highly intricate and embroidered ones. Hindu musicians often tie knots in the thread while reciting sacred words to invoke Brahma and ward off evil forces.
The thread is considered sacred and dipped in sandalwood, vermilion, or fragrant wood.
During the ceremony, the Ustad ties the Ganda thread to the wrist of the Shagird, formalizing their relationship. This ritual symbolizes a commitment of honesty, love, devotion, and education between the two. Once tied, the Ustad and Shagird become like parent and child, and this bond is unbreakable.
Maqsood, a student, shares his experience of preparing for his Ganda Bandhan in Lahore. He struggled to find a Mauli and spent days searching in various bazaars before finally finding one in Data Darbar. He meticulously prepared a basket of shakar, a traditional snack for the Ustad, as per his teacher's instructions.
The shakar, consisting of dry-roasted chickpeas, sugra balls, betel leaf, and jaggery, holds symbolic significance. The Ustad starts the ritual by chewing the betel leaf, and the snacks are then distributed among the guests. Following the shakar, a special song called shakar is sung to bless the student and pay homage to great musicians.
At Maqsood's Ganda Bandhan, Parvez Paras Sahib recited an ancient shakar of the Gwalior gharana. The song, passed down through generations, was sung to a specific rhythm, with guests joining in the recitation at the end. Paras Sahib also led a prayer for Maqsood's success in music and life, with everyone present, regardless of faith, joining in.
Gift-giving is an important part of the ceremony, with specific gifts for the Ustad, his family, and musicians present. Maqsood followed his teacher's instructions and prepared envelopes with nazar money for his fellow students and senior musicians.
The event concluded with a symbolic music lesson, where Paras Sahib imparted a lesson in raag Aiman to Maqsood. The evening ended with a dinner where Paras Sahib shared stories of famous musicians' Ganda Bandhans.
For Maqsood, this event marked the start of a profound journey. He expressed gratitude for finding a guide not only in music but in all aspects of life, cherishing the responsibility his Ustad has bestowed upon him.
The Ganda Bandhan is not just a ceremony; it's a sacred tradition that signifies a lifelong bond between teacher and student, steeped in tradition, respect, and devotion.