Ahmedabad: Pushtimargiya Haveli music, which holds an important place in the ancient and rich tradition of Indian classical music, has received national recognition. Ranchhodlalji Goswami, the 16th-generation Acharya of Goswami Haveli in Kalupur, Ahmedabad, and a scholar of Haveli music, has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for the year 2024-25 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Culture.

Acharya Ranchhodlalji Goswami considers this honour to be a matter of pride for the entire Haveli music tradition rather than a personal achievement. “This award is a tribute to India’s rich tradition of devotion, music and culture. The soul of India resides in Haveli music,” he said.

Pushtimarg was founded by Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharyaji around 550 years ago. In this tradition, kirtan and music are considered the highest forms of devotion. Even today, seva-kirtan is performed in havelis in specific ragas corresponding to different times of the day and seasons. Distinct musical traditions have evolved for each season—spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter—giving Haveli music its unique identity.

Ranchhodlalji Goswami, who was anointed as the Acharya of the 450-year-old Goswami Haveli in Doshiwada ni Pol, Ahmedabad, received his musical training through the Guru-Shishya tradition. He also completed his postgraduate studies in music and an M.Phil. from the Upasana School of Performing Arts, Gujarat University, and is currently pursuing his Ph.D.

At just 32 years of age, he has composed more than 22,000 devotional songs and authored eight books. He also serves as an expert for the Haveli Music course at Gujarat University. Besides Vrajbhasha, Gujarati and Sanskrit, his compositions are also found in Charani, Mewari and Marwari.

According to the Acharya, Haveli music represents one of the original forms of Indian classical music. Its style of singing has evolved from ancient traditions such as Prabandha, Dhrupad and Dhamar, and these classical forms continue to remain alive in Haveli music.

He said that since the time of Mahaprabhu Shri Vallabhacharyaji and Shri Vitthalnathji, the compositions of Ashtachhap poets, including Surdas and Parmanandadas, have been preserved and performed through Haveli music. “This music is not merely an art form but a living medium of devotion and worship,” he said.

The Acharya believes the award is a moment of pride for the entire Vaishnava community as well as lovers of Indian classical music. Besides Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Haveli music tradition continues to thrive in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. According to him, this is perhaps the first time since Independence that Haveli music has received such prestigious national recognition.

Speaking about the preservation of Haveli music, he suggested that full-time university-level courses should be introduced. He also called for greater emphasis on research, documentation, the creation of authoritative texts and comparative studies. In addition, he stressed the need for seminars, workshops and lecture series to generate greater interest in the tradition among younger generations.

The sound of Haveli music, which has echoed through temple walls for more than five centuries, has now reached the national stage. This honour marks a significant milestone, celebrating not only the achievements of an individual artist but also India’s invaluable musical heritage. DeshGujarat