Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami, a Haveli Sangeet scholar from Ahmedabad, has been awarded the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Recognized for his dedication to preserving the centuries-old devotional music tradition of the Pushtimarg sect, Goswami is the 16th-generation Acharya of the Goswami Haveli in Kalupur.
Goswami views the award as a tribute to India’s cultural heritage rather than a personal accomplishment, emphasizing the significance of Haveli Sangeet in Indian classical music. This traditional music form is intricately linked to the Pushtimarg havelis, where it is performed daily in specific ragas based on different times of the day and seasons.
Haveli Sangeet, with its unique musical traditions for various seasons, has a deep-rooted history within Indian classical music. Goswami, who leads the Goswami Haveli in Ahmedabad’s old city, has not only excelled in music but also holds postgraduate and M.Phil. degrees in the field, with ongoing doctoral research.
Goswami’s contributions extend beyond music composition, with over 22,000 devotional verses and eight authored books to his credit. He plays a vital role in Gujarat University’s Haveli Sangeet curriculum and emphasizes the importance of preserving this ancient musical tradition for future generations.
