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How about some music, love, and laughter that breaks the monotonous grind? A Drum Circle would be the right place. It is not just music and rhythm, it is more of a healing that boosts memory and enhances the mood. The Drum Circle is an improvisational music therapy wherein participants play any musical instrument that improves focus and expression. People play music with drums and other percussion instruments and dance their hearts out. It's just another form of expression that involves equality, autonomy, and inclusivity. After many years, Indore had an organized and mindful Drum Circle event. Here is all you need to know:
Djembe is a traditional West African drum that dates back hundreds of years. The musical instrument is the most recognized in the African subcontinent, believed to connect people. Back in Africa, these instruments are not only a mere means of communication, but also promote healing. They believe that rhythm is the soul of life, with every cell in the body operating at a constant frequency. Everything is in rhythm, so that whatever they do energizes every cell in the body.
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Komal Vaishnav, a facilitator of the Rhythm and Earth Drum Circle, with a little enthusiastic participant
Similar is the Rhythm and Earth, a language that the Earth speaks to you. As Komal Vaishnav, Rhythm and Earth Drum Circle facilitator, rightly puts up, "It's becoming one with the Earth, with the cells, the body, and you as a whole."
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This improvisational music therapy is more than simply rhythm and music for the elderly
Music therapy, such as the Drum Circle, is highly effective for the elderly. Here are the benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves sleep and ensures emotional stability
Maintains a healthy blood pressure and heart rate
Helps in dealing with depression and loneliness
Boosts dopamine levels that facilitate overall happiness
Komal Vaishnav recalls, "I also came across individuals who told me that despite all the energy they invested in drumming, they felt more energized the next day. Even an elderly lady could infuse it all in music and rhythm, which made her calm and at ease with more mindful energy."
The Rhythm and Earth Drum Circle facilitates the natural movement of the body, which is ultimately in sync with the Earth. That means your happiness and joy make the Earth a joyful planet. It gives rise to collective energy, rhythm, and laughter that altogether spread wellness.
Participants at the Rhythm and Earth Drum circle event in Indore
The Drum circle was a very recent event in Indore at the Copper Kettle, facilitated by Komal Vaishnav and co-facilitated by the Earthlings Foundation, Pune. The team stopped by in Indore as a part of the 'June Drum Circles All India tour'. Komal Vaishnav says, "This was our second in Indore, the last one in March. As a facilitator, I ensure that there is at least one Drum circle event once a month. Before Indore, I was in Calcutta and just wrapped up in Jodhpur. There is also an upcoming Drum Circles and Djembe workshop in Bandra, Mumbai."
Neha Mulchandani, host and organizer of the event in Indore, shares, "After having a Drum Circle event for the Access Bars Association, I felt there was a need for an open event in the city. That's when I contacted Komal. I found people were curious to know about it, and we had participation from every age group. The adolescents and youth were also quite active, apart from the middle-aged group and the elderly. Back in cities like Mumbai and Pune, drum circles have been functioning really well and for a long time, why not here?"
The Rhythm and Earth Drum Circle was one of a kind in the city. Here is how Ahilyanagri found it:
Malvika shared her first ever experience at the Drum circle, "The smallest thing or the least important thing would be that it was exhilarating. Apart from that, my entire soul was on fire. My body relaxed; it feels so light, all the knots have loosened up. I mean, I couldn't suggest anything else; one should definitely try this."
Mrs. Preeti Assudani is quick to say, "It was more of a unique experience for me, something new to try. As I have a liking for music, I felt that the rhythmic energy of the drum could shed off all the negativity. In the chaos of life, one can patiently attain inner peace with music and genuine connections. The synchronicity of drums helps with the mental peace."
Varsha Bidasaria, a sound healer, reacts, "I could connect early on hearing about the Rhythm and Earth Drum Circle, also I wanted to try out Djembe. And it turned out to be a beautiful experience indeed. The sound and vibration could connect me with my inner self. I even intend to incorporate the Djembe in my sound healing sessions."
Neha Mulchandani, who is a counseling psychologist, states, "It's so calming. This was how I felt, and these were my very first words after the first session in March. What I find is that it's all what you have to offer the Earth and others around you, that's how much goodness you receive from the other end, too. Drumming is energy, exhilaration, joy, and so much more, a part of self-care. You never realize the passing of time, that's a trait of something that you enjoy and want to do out of the loop."
The Earthlings Foundation will also organize a Rhythm and Earth 2.5-day Beginner's Drum Circle Facilitator's Retreat in Mumbai and Pune from 10th to 12th October 2025. So, if someone wishes to break the grind, catch some love and laughter, the Rhythm and Earth Drum Circle is just for you!
