Keherwa structure
Keherwa (also written Kaharwa or Keharwa or Kehrwa) has 8 matras grouped into vibhags of 4, 4. An eight-matra light taal used in bhajan, folk, film and semi-classical music. A theka is the bol pattern played over the cycle.
Bol patterns vary by teacher and tradition. Follow your teacher’s version for class.
Sam, tali, and khali
- Sam · matra 1
- The first matra and the cycle’s return point. Mark it with a clap.
- Khali · matra 5
- Wave at the start of the vibhag; keep counting every matra.
Keherwa theka
One familiar written version, with each bol placed on a matra:
- Matras 1–4Dha · Ge · Na · Ti
- Matras 5–8Na · Ka · Dhin · Na