Ranchi Rhythms: Building Belonging Through the Beat of the Drum
- Shreya Guleria
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Often overlooked for its bigger neighbors, Ranchi has a charm that grows on you — slowly, steadily, like a beat building to a crescendo.
The city carries within it the pulse of tribal wisdom, the energy of youth, and now, a resonance of collective drumming that’s finding its way into schools, parks, and wellness spaces.
Drum circles are beginning to unite Ranchi's modern aspirations with its indigenous heartbeat — and the results are beautiful.
Tribal Legacy, Urban Growth- Ranchi Rhythms
Ranchi has long been home to Jharkhand’s tribal communities — the Munda, Oraon, and Santhal — who have rich traditions of rhythm, storytelling, and ritual percussion. The Mandar drum, for example, is central to tribal festivals and dances.
This rhythmic legacy is now merging with global drumming cultures:
Drum circles honour and echo traditional tribal beats in a modern context
They offer a non-verbal, inclusive way to build community and self-worth
They act as bridges — connecting urban students with their cultural roots
They create joy, play, and healing in spaces that need both
“Our ancestors drummed to celebrate, to grieve, to connect. We’re just continuing that — in a new circle.”— Local tribal educator, Hatia
A Young City with a Curious Mind
With institutes like BIT Mesra, St. Xavier’s, IIM Ranchi, and NUSRL, the city has a young, curious population — many of whom are looking for alternatives to digital fatigue, academic stress, and identity pressure.
Drum circles are finding ground in:
Student-led wellness collectives and anti-stress events
Cultural festivals and tribal-art-based workshops
Counselling centres using rhythm in therapeutic sessions
Street jam circles hosted by independent artists and educators
“We don’t have a huge art scene. But we have people. And they show up when there’s a beat.”— Student, BIT Mesra
Community Healing Through Rhythm
Ranchi’s urban population is growing fast, but so is emotional disconnection and burnout. Drum circles are proving to be powerful in bridging emotional gaps and releasing stress through movement and rhythm.
Used in:
Women's groups and tribal collectives for emotional release and bonding
Workshops for government school teachers and community workers
Youth centres and NGOs supporting vulnerable groups
Neighbourhood events hosted in public parks and community halls
“It’s not therapy, but it heals. You can cry, laugh, or just close your eyes and feel safe.”— Mental health volunteer, Lalpur
Corporate and Civic Engagement
Ranchi is seeing the rise of wellness-conscious institutions, startups, and civic-led community engagement. HR departments, educators, and social ventures are now exploring drumming as a team-building, expressive, and grounding tool.
Popular formats include:
Weekend team-building at eco-resorts near Patratu and Jonha Falls
Facilitated jam sessions during conferences and NGO events
Awareness campaigns and youth festivals in collaboration with city orgs
Rhythm-led workshops on leadership, empathy, and creative thinking
“We’re not a loud city. But we are listening. The drum gives us something to listen to — and respond.”— HR lead, local startup
📍Where to Find Drum Circles in Ranchi:
Morabadi Grounds and Rock Garden – open-air jam sessions
University campuses and government schools – awareness and engagement circles
Kanke Dam and Tagore Hill areas – wellness and retreat drumming
Festivals like Karam, Sarhul, and local youth fests – rhythm and ritual blends
Art collectives and NGOs in Doranda, Hatia, and Bariatu – community drumming
Ranchi might not be known (yet) for its art scene, but it feels everything deeply. And that’s where drum circles thrive — in places where connection matters more than perfection.
In this city of soil, sweat, and silent pride, the drum is helping people come back to themselves and come together with others.
Because in Ranchi, rhythm isn’t taught — it’s remembered.
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