Document Type

Commentary

Abstract

Excerpt:

'The followers of Swami Shri Haridasji live in the sand-laden compound of Tatiasthan and assemble in song with devotees from the general public every evening. This musical tradition is called samaaj gaayan. They first sing facing the deity and then turn to their teacher, who arrives at the assembly a little later. Mobile phones and other technology are strictly forbidden.

This poem is an out-take from my ongoing ethnographic research in Vrindavan—the sacred geography of Krishna worship in the Bhakti tradition in northern India. This poem came from the evenings spent in the Tatiasthan shrine watching evening musical performances, trying to access the somber musical moment through active listening, in a sensory ethnographic move.'

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1111/anhu.12464

Publication Date

6-23-2023

Journal

Anthropology and Humanism

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