Practice

The practice sessions were the heart of my time here, a daily ritual that brought me deeper into the music and poetry of Kabir. I spent 4-5 hours a day trying to emulate Mukhtiyar Ji, both in voice and on the harmonium. It was a humbling process—trying to match his depth and control felt like chasing shadows, but it pushed me in ways I hadn’t imagined.

Mornings began with kharaj riyaz, the foundation of vocal practice. Right after waking up, I’d focus on sustaining the lower notes, letting my voice resonate deeply before moving on to the more intricate trills and pitch bends with sargam. The day would unfold slowly, and after those intense mornings, evenings shifted to classical training. Here, Mukhtiyar Ji taught me the nuances of compositions like “Moko Kahaan Dhunde,” “Mirga Ne Khet Ujada,” and “Chadariya Jheeni Re Jheeni.”

Learning these compositions wasn’t just about hitting the right notes—it was about understanding the soul behind the words. The evenings were spent not only practicing the melodies but also delving into the meanings behind Kabir’s poetry. Memorizing the verses took time, and as I repeated the lines over and over, I began to feel the weight and wisdom of each word. Each session was a step closer to grasping the profound connection between music and spirituality that Mukhtiyar Ji embodies. The practice wasn’t easy, but every moment felt like an invaluable part of this journey.