This summer, KNMA presents Clay in Resonance, a four-day workshop that introduces participants to the world of rhythm through the ghatam. The ghatam is a traditional South Indian percussion instrument made of clay, played using the hands and fingers to produce a range of sharp and resonant sounds.

For ages 12 to 18 years old.

Led by Shounok Banerjee, the workshop blends intuitive learning with structured practice, encouraging participants to explore rhythm as both a mathematical system and a form of personal expression.

Day 1 focuses on building a connection with rhythm through the body. Participants engage with breath and heartbeat, relate rhythm to everyday life, and begin learning the basics of the ghatam along with foundational syllables.

Day 2 introduces the idea of rhythm cycles, or taal, using familiar musical references. Participants expand their understanding of rhythmic patterns and explore commonly used structures.

Day 3 dives deeper into Adhi Thalam, helping participants understand its structure through guided exercises and practical application of learned syllables.

Day 4 is centred on creative expression. Participants bring together their learning to create their own rhythmic phrases, share within the group, and reflect on their journey with rhythm.

Open to beginners and enthusiasts alike, the workshop invites participants to listen, engage, and discover rhythm in new ways.

Artist Bio

Shounok Banerjee is a New Delhi–based percussionist specialising in the ghatam, a traditional South Indian clay instrument. Beginning his musical journey with tabla at a young age, he later trained under Kumbakonam Shri N. Padmanaban and Shri Giridhar Udupa, developing a strong foundation in rhythm across multiple percussion forms. Alongside the ghatam, he is also proficient in tabla, mridangam, and khanjira, bringing a versatile and interdisciplinary approach to percussion.

He is the Co-founder and Creative Director of Artmosphere, an arts and events curation house built for niche and cross-genre art forms.

Shounok has performed at prominent platforms including the Dover Lane Music Conference, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Pandit Chatur Lal Festival, and regularly engages in both traditional and experimental musical formats. He approaches rhythm as an intuitive and expressive language, inviting audiences to connect with sound in personal and meaningful ways.

While you’re here, we invite you to also explore KNMA’s ongoing exhibition TYEB MEHTA Bearing Weight (with the lightness of being)