Banaras (Varanasi) is not just a city—it’s a living, breathing symphony. Its people, from temple priests to boatmen, weave music into their daily lives, preserving centuries-old traditions while embracing new influences. This article explores how the people of Banaras contribute to its unparalleled musical heritage.
12-06-2025
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The Musical Soul of Banaras: How Its People Keep the Traditions Alive
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1. Music in the Blood: How Banarasis Live and Breathe Sound
For Banarasis, music is not just an art form—it’s a way of life. Here’s how different communities keep the traditions alive:
A. The Gurus & Ustads (Teachers & Masters)
Gharanas of Banaras pass down knowledge through guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition).
Families like the Mishras (Pandit Channulal Mishra) and the Maharajs (Kishan Maharaj) have trained generations.
Even today, young musicians flock to Banaras to learn from living legends.
B. The Temple Priests & Bhajan Singers
Morning and evening aartis at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan feature devotional music.
Bhajan mandalis (groups) sing hymns on the ghats, keeping the tradition of kirtan alive.
The famous "Ganga Aarti" at Dashashwamedh Ghat includes rhythmic chants and conch shells.
C. The Folk Artists & Street Performers
Biraha singers narrate tales of love and separation in local Bhojpuri dialect.
Qawwals and Sufi musicians perform at dargahs like the Dargah of Lal Khan.
Ramleela troupes use live music and dialogue to enact the Ramayana during festivals.
A. The Gurus & Ustads (Teachers & Masters)
Gharanas of Banaras pass down knowledge through guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition).
Families like the Mishras (Pandit Channulal Mishra) and the Maharajs (Kishan Maharaj) have trained generations.
Even today, young musicians flock to Banaras to learn from living legends.
B. The Temple Priests & Bhajan Singers
Morning and evening aartis at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan feature devotional music.
Bhajan mandalis (groups) sing hymns on the ghats, keeping the tradition of kirtan alive.
The famous "Ganga Aarti" at Dashashwamedh Ghat includes rhythmic chants and conch shells.
C. The Folk Artists & Street Performers
Biraha singers narrate tales of love and separation in local Bhojpuri dialect.
Qawwals and Sufi musicians perform at dargahs like the Dargah of Lal Khan.
Ramleela troupes use live music and dialogue to enact the Ramayana during festivals.
2. Everyday Music: How Common Banarasis Keep the Culture Alive
You don’t need to be a professional musician to contribute to Banaras’ soundscape. Here’s how regular people participate:
A. The Chaiwallahs & Shopkeepers
Many tea stalls and paan shops play classical ragas or folk songs in the background.
Some shopkeepers hum Chaiti or Kajri tunes during rainy seasons.
B. The Boatmen & Gondola Singers
"Majhi" (boatmen) songs echo on the Ganges at sunrise and sunset.
Some boatmen recite Kabir’s dohas or sing simple bhajans while rowing.
C. The Wedding Bands & Shehnai Players
No Banaras wedding is complete without a "baraat" (procession) with shehnai and dhol.
Local brass bands play Bollywood tunes but often mix in classical thumris.
A. The Chaiwallahs & Shopkeepers
Many tea stalls and paan shops play classical ragas or folk songs in the background.
Some shopkeepers hum Chaiti or Kajri tunes during rainy seasons.
B. The Boatmen & Gondola Singers
"Majhi" (boatmen) songs echo on the Ganges at sunrise and sunset.
Some boatmen recite Kabir’s dohas or sing simple bhajans while rowing.
C. The Wedding Bands & Shehnai Players
No Banaras wedding is complete without a "baraat" (procession) with shehnai and dhol.
Local brass bands play Bollywood tunes but often mix in classical thumris.
3. Challenges & Revival: How Banarasis Are Protecting Their Heritage
Despite modernization, Banarasis fight to keep their music alive:
✔ Music Schools & Academies – Institutions like Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya train new artists.
✔ Festivals & Concerts – Events like Dhrupad Mela and Ganga Mahotsav attract global audiences.
✔ Digital Preservation – Young musicians use YouTube and Spotify to promote Banaras’ music worldwide.
✔ Music Schools & Academies – Institutions like Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya train new artists.
✔ Festivals & Concerts – Events like Dhrupad Mela and Ganga Mahotsav attract global audiences.
✔ Digital Preservation – Young musicians use YouTube and Spotify to promote Banaras’ music worldwide.
4. Conclusion: Banaras’ People Are Its True Maestros
From the legendary ustads to the boatmen humming folk tunes, every Banarasi plays a role in keeping the city’s musical soul alive. Whether through grand concerts or simple daily rituals, the people ensure that Banaras remains India’s eternal city of music.