Banaras (Varanasi), one of the oldest living cities in the world, is not just a spiritual hub but also a cradle of Indian classical music. Known as the "Cultural Capital of India," Banaras has nurtured legendary musicians, unique musical traditions, and a vibrant folk culture that resonates through its ghats, temples, and narrow lanes.
12-06-2025
Back
The Eternal Melodies of Banaras: A Musical Journey Through the Sacred City
Additional Information
Banaras: The Birthplace of Legendary Music
The city has been home to some of the greatest exponents of Hindustani classical music, including:
Pandit Ravi Shankar (Sitar Maestro)
Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai Virtuoso)
Girija Devi (Queen of Thumri)
Kishan Maharaj (Tabla Legend)
Banaras is renowned for its Benaras Gharana, a distinctive style of khayal, thumri, dadra, and chaiti music. The city’s folk traditions, such as Bhajan, Kirtan, and Ramleela music, also play a vital role in its cultural identity.
Pandit Ravi Shankar (Sitar Maestro)
Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai Virtuoso)
Girija Devi (Queen of Thumri)
Kishan Maharaj (Tabla Legend)
Banaras is renowned for its Benaras Gharana, a distinctive style of khayal, thumri, dadra, and chaiti music. The city’s folk traditions, such as Bhajan, Kirtan, and Ramleela music, also play a vital role in its cultural identity.
Musical Influence on Nearby Cities
While Banaras itself is the epicenter of this musical legacy, its influence extends to nearby cities, each contributing uniquely to the region’s soundscape:
1. Allahabad (Prayagraj)
Known for its Sangam (confluence of rivers), Allahabad has a strong tradition of classical and semi-classical music.
The Allahabad University has been a center for musical education.
Famous for Kajri and Chaiti folk songs during monsoon.
The Allahabad University has been a center for musical education.
Famous for Kajri and Chaiti folk songs during monsoon.
2. Mirzapur
Famous for its folk music, especially Alha (ballads of bravery).
The Bansuri (bamboo flute) tradition is strong here.
The Bansuri (bamboo flute) tradition is strong here.
3. Jaunpur
Known for Sufi and Qawwali traditions due to its historical Islamic influence.
Home to many Sarangi players who accompany classical vocalists.
Home to many Sarangi players who accompany classical vocalists.
4. Ghazipur
A hub for Chaiti and Hori (seasonal folk songs).
Known for its Baul and Sufi music influence.
Known for its Baul and Sufi music influence.
5. Chandauli
Rich in folk music, especially Birha (a Bhojpuri folk genre).
Many classical musicians from Banaras have roots here.
Many classical musicians from Banaras have roots here.
6. Sarnath
While primarily a Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath has meditative and spiritual music traditions.
Tibetan chanting and bhajans are common here.
Tibetan chanting and bhajans are common here.
Banaras Today: A Living Musical Legacy
Even today, Banaras remains a thriving center for music:
Dhrupad Mela (annual classical music festival).
Ganga Mahotsav (celebrating music and culture on the ghats).
Numerous music schools (like Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya) preserving classical traditions.
From the soul-stirring shehnai at Vishwanath Temple to the thumris in the bylanes of Assi Ghat, Banaras continues to enchant musicians and listeners alike.
Dhrupad Mela (annual classical music festival).
Ganga Mahotsav (celebrating music and culture on the ghats).
Numerous music schools (like Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya) preserving classical traditions.
From the soul-stirring shehnai at Vishwanath Temple to the thumris in the bylanes of Assi Ghat, Banaras continues to enchant musicians and listeners alike.