The theka of Bhajani
Each cell is one matra. Sam is highlighted; khali beats are shown softer. Read left to right, then loop back to sam.
Xdhin1
na dhin2
-3
na ge4
0dhin5
na tin6
-7
na ge8
About Bhajani
Bhajani is an eight-beat theka closely related to keherwa but with a gentler, more devotional lean — its name comes directly from bhajan. Two vibhags of four, tali on 1 and khali on 5.
It is the go-to cycle for bhajan, kirtan and Marathi abhang, and Tirkit backs it with a large family of laggi variations for building intensity as a devotional piece grows.
How to count Bhajani
Bhajani runs over 8 beats grouped as 4 + 4. Keep the cycle by marking sam on beat 1 and khali (the empty section) on beat 5. Everything you play resolves back onto sam.
- Sam — beat 1, the start and resolution of the cycle.
- Khali — beat 5, marked with a wave rather than a clap.
- Vibhags — 4 + 4 beats.
Practise Bhajani in Tirkit
Play the Bhajani theka at any tempo from 60 to 200 BPM, in any key, with a tanpura underneath. Free on Google Play.
Bhajani — questions
How many beats (matras) are in Bhajani?
Bhajani has 8 matras, divided into vibhags of 4 + 4.
What is the theka of Bhajani?
The theka of Bhajani is: dhin na dhin - na ge dhin na tin - na ge. Sam falls on beat 1 and khali on beat 5.
What is Bhajani used for?
Bhajani is commonly used in Bhajan, Kirtan, Abhang.