Episode 4: Baithak - Classical Music & Poetry: an intimate evening in the baithak tradition

Garam Masala is back for its fourth gathering — and this one is a Baithak

What is a baithak? A baithak (pronounced "bai-thak") is a centuries-old South Asian tradition of intimate music-making, salon-style gathering, and community connections. Unlike a concert, there's no stage, artists and audience often sit together on the floor, close enough to feel every note. The music isn't performed at you, it's shared with you. Expect classical Indian music, spoken poetry, delicious South-Asian inspired food and drinks, and the kind of attentive listening that lets music and conversations breathe.

What to expect from the night:

7:30pm - Doors Open

8:30pm - Intimate Semi-Classical Performances of Hindustani music.

10pm - In the tradition of Mehfils and Baithaks, where the floor belongs to everyone, we will continue the evening with voices. Bring a poem you love, or one you wrote. Read it in any language. The only theme is rule breaking: the fluid space between categories, and the beauty of what doesn't fit neatly in binaries

11pm-1am - DJ set (stay to party with us)

Tickets are suggested 12 euros. This includes a pani-puri snack and a drink! Every contribution goes directly to supporting the artists and community third spaces. Reach out to us if you need subsidized ticketing, we want to make sure nobody is left out due to financial constraints.

There will also be South Asian inspired food available for purchase throughout the night.

A deep thank you to the team at O Grilo Beato <3

Original poster artwork is by @heleenatheodore

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Garam Masala is an open invitation for people in Lisbon to come together and celebrate the rich culture and heritage we carry in our skin, our songs, our dance, and our food.

We are a collective of brown folx based in Lisbon with representation across four continents. We want to bring the explorations we’ve had over chai and samosas to others who want to celebrate our rich histories together in Lisbon.

Garam.Masala

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