Abstract

Ayodhya's rich musical heritage originated and flourished within the saint communities (Sant Samaj), where vocal music traditions such as Dhrupad, Khayal, Bhajan, and Keertan have been preserved and continued in temples. The Ramanandi sampradaya’s three prominent sections Bindu Sampradaya, Akhada Sampraday and Rasik Sampraday have played a central role in Ayodhya’s Keertan tradition. Saint musicians (Sant Sangeetagya), associated with these three sampradayas, created a vast repertoire of Pad and Padavali dedicated to Sri Ram and Janki. This research finds a research gap in Ayodhya’s classical and folk music; the Keertan Parampara has received limited scholarly attention. The present study investigates the unique characteristics of this Keertan tradition and its socio- cultural impact on the local community. Having been a keen and close observer of the Keertan tradition since childhood, the author brings a personal and intimate understanding to the research. The author adopts an ethnographic approach to studying this tradition in depth based on her experiences and engagements. By conducting in-depth interviews with Mahants of prominent temples and Keertankaars, as well as immersing in festivals, daily practices, and Keertan events, the research aims to capture the nuances of participant interactions and behaviours. This study sheds light on the unexplored dimensions of Ayodhya’s Keertan tradition, offering new insights into its cultural significance and role in shaping the everyday life of the people.