The Humming Tree presents O Gaanewali

The Humming Tree presents O Gaanewali — an immersive evening that brings alive the music, stories and traditions associated with tawaifs and women musicians.

O Gaanewali explores a beautiful repertoire of North Indian semi-classical and traditional music, featuring expressive forms such as Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Jhoola, Sawan, Kajari and Ghazal. Rather than simply presenting these genres as historical musical forms, the performance connects them with the stories, emotions and cultural traditions that shaped them.

At the heart of the experience is the spirit of the traditional mehfil — an intimate musical gathering where artists and audiences share a close connection. Through a combination of live singing, musicianship and storytelling, O Gaanewali brings this atmosphere to a contemporary audience while retaining the depth and character of the repertoire.

The performance 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 performed across India in more than 80 shows, the ensemble continues to evolve its repertoire while making these rich musical traditions accessible to today's listeners.

Hosted at The Humming Tree in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, the evening brings together music, storytelling, culture and an intimate live-performance setting. The event also offers a curated dining experience for eligible group seating, making it an opportunity to enjoy an evening of music and food in a relaxed social atmosphere.

Whether you already appreciate Hindustani classical and semi-classical music or are discovering Thumri, Dadra and Ghazal for the first time, O Gaanewali offers a thoughtful journey into India's musical heritage — where every song carries a story, every melody evokes an emotion, and the spirit of the mehfil comes alive once again.

Experience the spirit of a traditional mehfil: Step into an intimate musical setting inspired by the timeless tradition of mehfils, where music, storytelling and audience connection come together.

Discover India's rich musical heritage: Explore beautiful forms such as Thumri, Dadra, Hori, Chaiti, Kajari, Sawan, Jhoola and Ghazal, each carrying its own mood, history and emotional character.

Celebrate the legacy of women musicians: O Gaanewali offers an opportunity to engage with musical traditions shaped and preserved by generations of women performers and tawaifs.

Enjoy soulful live performances: Experience expressive vocals and live musicianship in a setting designed for attentive listening and emotional connection.

Listen to stories behind the music: Go beyond the songs and discover the cultural context, traditions and stories that give these musical forms their meaning.

A memorable cultural evening: Whether you are a Hindustani music enthusiast or simply looking for a distinctive evening of live music, O Gaanewali offers a thoughtful and immersive experience.