In the musical tradition of the Indian subcontinent and Afghanistan, there is a deeply symbolic ceremony known as Gormani.

In this lineage-based form of musical education — still centered around the direct transmission of experience from master to disciple — a student, after passing through various stages of learning, formally receives a thread of devotion from the master in a ceremonial gathering. This thread, often made of silk, represents a symbolic chain connecting generations of masters and students. Alongside this, “Gor” (unrefined black sugar) is shared between master and disciple as a token of the sweetness of their spiritual and artistic bond.

During the ceremony, senior musicians in attendance respectfully place the thread on their foreheads, kiss it, and offer prayers before it is handed to the designated master. The master then ties the thread to the student’s right wrist, followed by the distribution of sweets among the attendees. The essence of this tradition lies in respect, humility, and devotion.

The Amir Khusrow Balkhi Foundation has proudly upheld and celebrated this meaningful musical ritual through its collaborations with renowned senior musicians over the years.