Soulful Sufi & Qawwali Sessions
Bring authentic rhythm to your spiritual gatherings. From traditional qawwali to modern Sufi fusion, I perform acoustic and energetic sets perfect for mehfils and devotional events.
A raw and soulful qawwali session with friends, covering a classic by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This is the true essence of a mehfil.
Performing a beautiful Sufi kalaam by NFAK, 'Je Tu Rab Nu Manuna'. The combination of tabla and harmonium is the heart of this style of music.
A heartfelt Sufi performance with dholak, tabla, and harmonium. This is the kind of music that connects directly with the soul.
A jam session on a beautiful Sufi kalaam. The blend of tabla, guitar, and harmonium creates a modern yet authentic Sufi sound.
A mashup of 'Apna Bana Le' and the Sufi track 'Ye Tune Kya Kiya'. This shows how we can seamlessly blend contemporary songs with classic Sufi vibes.
Performing the song 'Samaan' by the Ali Brothers. This is a beautiful piece that we love to include in our Sufi and Punjabi folk sets.
A cover of the Punjabi Sufi song 'Tere Bina Na Guzara E'. The dholak and tabla together provide a driving rhythm for this passionate track.
About this collection
For these sessions, I usually keep the setup acoustic and intimate—focusing on tabla, dholak, and harmonium to keep the soul of the music alive. Whether you are hosting a Mata Ki Chowki or a private Sufi gathering, we can arrange the seating in a traditional baithak style to create that perfect, connected vibe. If you have specific kalaams or ghazals in mind that need to be part of your event, let me know, and I can tailor the rhythm patterns to match the energy of the lyrics.
Whether it’s the intense, driving energy of a Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan classic or the quiet, meditative peace of a devotional bhajan, the percussion has to be honest. Growing up with my Papa ji as my guru, I learned early on that qawwali isn't just about speed; it's about the feel. When we perform these Sufi kalaams, we keep the percussion precise—using tabla for the intricate rhythmic patterns and dholak for that earthy, traditional pulse that anchors the harmonium and vocals.
We offer flexible setups for these events. For home-based Mata Ki Chowkis or intimate mehfils, the acoustic trio ensemble works best. It keeps the space open and the interaction with the audience authentic. If you are looking for a larger setup with a full band for a major Sufi night, I also perform with Saaz-e-Mehfil, bringing in keyboard, guitar, and additional percussion to fill bigger venues with a full concert sound.
Practical tip for your event: Since we often perform in a baithak (floor-seated) style for these sessions, a clean, carpeted area or a low stage helps us connect better with the listeners. I’m happy to coordinate with your venue or event planner on the sound requirements beforehand. This ensures the harmonium and vocals blend perfectly with the live percussion, giving your guests a truly immersive experience.
Atul Rohtagi
Om sai ram! Music is my meditation, and playing for Sufi and qawwali nights is how I share that joy with the world. Growing up in a musical family, I learned to respect the rhythm in every beat, and I love bringing that same devotion to your special events. Let's make your gathering truly soulful.
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