Brothers Ranganathan S, 15, and Sriniketan S, 11, stood at the centre of a 24-member ensemble that introduced Bengaluru audiences to the sound and versatility of the handpan.
During the ensemble’s debut public performance at Bengaluru’s Ganesha Utsava, the musicians used 26 handpans to perform five compositions. The handpans were accompanied by mridangam, ghatam, drums, guitar, synthesiser and djembe.
Performing as the Nadamaya Brothers, Ranganathan and Sriniketan played two handpans each. Their programme included Carnatic compositions and “Varaha Roopam” from the film Kantara.
Their association with the instrument began during the pandemic. Ranganathan was experimenting with the keyboard when a neighbour introduced him to a handpan being crafted. Interested in its unusual shape and sound, he began learning its combination of melody and percussion.
Sriniketan later started learning after watching his elder brother. He has now been practising for approximately three years. The brothers reportedly practise for at least two hours daily and spend longer preparing for performances.
The ensemble rehearsed for months and travelled across Bengaluru several times every week. The two brothers also helped coordinate the group’s compositions.
Bengaluru’s growing handpan community has been supported by workshops, informal jam sessions and locally manufactured instruments. Chirag Vaitheeswaran, founder of Chirp Handpans, operates a Bengaluru workshop employing 14 artisans. It has delivered more than 1,300 instruments made using materials sourced in India.
The source did not provide the brothers’ apartment or residential area, so GoodHood has not added one.
GoodHood Take: Children’s interests can grow into community culture when families, neighbours and local makers encourage them. Apartment communities can offer young residents small stages to introduce neighbours to their music, art and unusual skills.
Sponsor Space: Supported by a Bengaluru music academy, instrument store, children’s learning centre or café.
Source: The Times of India, “How two brothers put the humble handpan on Bengaluru’s musical map,” October 4, 2026.