Our trip to Ahmednagar from Pune was quite a long one. It was around 125 kilometers away, and the drive took us about three hours. The journey was a bit tiring, but we had a special reason for making the trip. After watching a video of Lahu Dada Kadam on YouTube, we were so inspired by his passion for the folk music form of Bhedik that we simply couldn’t resist visiting him in person. We were eager to meet this person and experience his music live.
The place where Lahu Dada lived was far from the hustle and bustle of the city. As we neared Ahmednagar, we felt the calmness of the place. Lahu Dada had shared the location with us beforehand, and when we arrived, it was clear that we were in for something truly special. The surroundings were peaceful, with a light breeze blowing gently through the area. The few homes that we saw were spread far apart, and most of the land was made up of open fields. It was a serene environment, a perfect backdrop for the folk music we were about to witness.
As we approached Lahu Dada’s place, we were greeted by him in the most welcoming way. He came out to meet us, and his warm, kind personality immediately put us at ease. He was excited to see us and was eager to make us feel at home. To our surprise, he even wanted to prepare food for us, showing how deeply he cared about hospitality and the traditional ways of welcoming guests.
After a brief tour of the area, we all decided on a perfect spot for recording the music video. The location was ideal, and with the help of Lahu Dada and his team, we started setting things up. His team consisted of five elderly men who were experienced in the traditional art form of Bhedik. It was clear that they had been practicing this music for years and passing it down through the generations.
The performance began with Lahu Dada introducing himself as “Bhedik Star Shahir Lahu Dada Kadam”. The first song was the Rama Ta Janm, a musical telling of the birth of Lord Ram. Despite their age, the energy and enthusiasm that these performers showed was remarkable. Their performance was filled with such vitality that it seemed as though the whole village was involved in the story of Lord Ram’s birth. The way they sang and performed was powerful, and their energy was contagious. The music, accompanied by their vibrant voices, told the story of Lord Ram in a way that felt alive and real, making us feel connected to the tale in a way that words alone never could.
The second song was also a devotional piece in the Bhedik form. This particular folk music style was so unique and different from anything we had heard before. It was a privilege to be part of this experience, watching the performers so passionately sing and narrate the story through music. The whole group worked together effortlessly, each person contributing to the overall energy and spirit of the performance.
The audience for this performance was made up of villagers from the surrounding houses—men, women, youth, and children, with the women particularly animated and excited. Their enthusiasm added a lively spirit to the setting, making the experience even more special.
Our recording was completed quickly, thanks to the warm and welcoming attitude of Lahu Dada and his team. It felt more like a family gathering than a formal recording session. We were able to learn so much about this ancient folk music form and the people who have dedicated their lives to preserving it.
Spending time with Lahu Dada Kadam and his team was more than just listening to beautiful music—it was an opportunity to connect with a culture that has been carried forward for generations. They welcomed us warmly with a cup of Gudachi Chaha (jaggery tea) and made us feel at home. Their hospitality and the energy they brought to their performance stayed with us. It didn’t feel like just a recording session; it was a genuine celebration of tradition and community.
As we drove back to Pune, the memories of that day stayed with us. The serene rustic location, the warm hospitality, and the powerful music all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Meeting Lahu Dada Kadam and his group of dedicated performers was a reminder of how important it is to preserve and celebrate our cultural traditions. We left with a deeper appreciation for the folk art form of Bhedik and a newfound connection to the wonderful people who are connected with their roots.
