Not only is the Handpan growing as an instrument, but so is the Handpan Community. In every corner of the planet. India is no exception. Alongside the Iranian community, I believe that the Indian Handpan Community it is the largest in the world. And not only that. It is also very lively and, above all, one of the highest quality in terms of music. Music in general is very important in India. And that applies to all social classes.
I can still remember well when I attended my first concert in India at the end of the 1980s. The first thing I noticed was that when the musicians started playing, the entire audience, from children to the elderly, immediately began counting along to identify the rhythm being played – until the “winner of this challenge” (some of the rhythms played are very complex) threw his hands in the air and shouted, “It’s a 12/8!” Everyone started counting along to congratulate the first person to answer.
What suddenly became clear to me at that moment was the huge difference between this and Western music audiences, who usually just let the music wash over them. In India, the audience is knowledgeable and highly attentive. Almost everyone is familiar with music and rhythm theory and can therefore appreciate music on a completely different level.
And I had exactly the same feeling when I was recently a guest at the Indian “VIVAAN Handpan & World Music Festival” in Goa and was able to immerse myself deeply in the local Indian handpan community. It’s not so much about the simple and widespread 4/4 time patterns. It’s much more about creative qualities. About discovering new things and developing new musical ideas. It was wonderful to observe.
Long live the Indian handpan community, which is so friendly, open, and inspiring!
One of the people who played a key role in the emergence of this Indian handpan community, and continues to do so, is Dipak Thakkar, who began building the VIVAAN Festival and the emerging of the Indian Handpan community back in 2017. As with other Handpan Events in those early days, it started on a very small scale. A few dozen enthusiasts got together and spent a few exciting days with each other. Over the years, this developed into what is probably the greatest Handpan & World Music Event I have ever been to with approximately 500+ participants – and I have been to many, from China to Europe.
It’s incredible how professionally and high-class this event is organized. Not to mention the event location. Right on the beach in Bambolim/Goa. It’s an ‘all-inclusive event’ – concerts, an incredibly extensive, varied, and high-quality buffet, workshops (not all of which are included in the price), and high-class accommodation. VIVAAN offers all of this from a single source and is perfectly organized. There are also sales stands with handicrafts, spices, merchandising, and handpans. Community events such as drum circles or group yoga round off the activities and guarantee a wonderful and unforgettable overall experience.
What remains is a very high recommendation. As a Handpan Enthusiast, you have to be there at least once! As I said, I have been to many festivals around the world, not just Handpan Festivals. VIVAAN is now one of my absolute favorite festivals.
For me, the VIVAAN experience ended with a change in my personal annual cycle. This annual rhythm consists of fixed points for me – Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, the GRIASDI Festival (as organizer), the “No Borders Jazz Festival” (Italy) … and then Christmas again. I have now added VIVAAN to this circle. For me, it will remain a fixed point that I am already looking forward to again today!
It’s just great what you, dear Dipak, and your team have put together. Hats off, utmost respect!
Now to the concerts offered at VIVAAN 2026:
These were as diverse as Indian food. From Classical Indian Music (With the absolute star of Indian classical music, P.T. Ronu Majumdar on the Basuri, for example!), to Handpan and Poetry, to Indian Jazz and Indian ‘Underground’ and many highly talented Indian Handpan Players in diverse and varied formations.. From Hang Massiv (who made us all sweat profusely with their wonderful dance-inducing music) to Handpan Masters such as Amin Varkonyi (AUT), who performed with Haider Khan (Tabla) and other Indian guest musicians, to Alexandre Lora‘s (BRA) finest solo act and the first concert outside Iran by Golsa Nazari (IRN), which was incredibly beautiful and deeply moving – all of which were celebrated with standing ovations. (see videos at the end of this article).
By the way, here’s a recommendation: Golsa Nazari, Amin Varkonyi, Alexandre Lora (and many more) will also be performing at the GRIASDI Handpan Festival, which will take place in Austria in June 2026. Tickets are already on sale on the GRIASDI website!
In addition to the Handpan Artists just mentioned, who are already well known in the scene, I would like to make two more listening and discovery recommendations for music lovers at this point.
One is the Indian band ‘THE AAHAVAAN PROJECT’ and the other is the Indian Jazz Project ‘RINI MUSIC’. Check them out! (see videos at the end of this article)
Finally, here are a few MUSIC VIDEO impressions from VIVAAN 2026 to give you a little audio-visual insight into this great Handpan & World Music Festival.
Enjoy watching!
Absolutely Amazing Event !❤️❤️❤️