Celebrating the guru-shishya parampara

Kathak dancer and late Pt Birju Maharaj’s granddaughter Shinjini Kulkarni marked an important milestone in her artistic journey with her ganda bandhan ceremony, held on Guru Purnima.

She celebrated the occasion with her guru, Jai Kishan Maharaj, family and patrons of classical arts at the India Habitat Centre on Thursday. Ganda Bandhan is a traditional ceremony involving the guru tying a ganda on the student’s wrist, formally acknowledging the student as worthy of carrying forward the guru’s legacy

“Becoming a part of my guru’s legacy makes me feel more responsible – as if a new life has started for me as a performer.

After years of practice, persistence and performances, this is a moment earned with the guru’s trust, and now I must carry forward his artistic vision,” shared Shinjini.

Reflecting on the celebration, Shinjini said, “Having all my loved ones, many of whom have been my gurus, made it even more special. And seeing my nana and guru’s (Pt Birju Maharaj) disciple Tirath Ajmani ji there felt like receiving my grandfather’s blessings”