Art & Culture of Varanasi

The art and culture of Varanasi is unique. Though Varanasi is associated mainly with Hinduism and Buddhism but one can find glimpse of many religious beliefs, types of worship and religious institutions at Varanasi. Since ancient times, Varanasi has been the Capital of all knowledge (sarva Vidya ki Rajdhani). Varanasi has produced numerous famous scholars and intellectuals, who have left their mark in respective fields of activity.

Varanasi is the residing city of Kabir, Ravidas & Tulsidas- who wrote much of his "Ram Charit Manas" here.

Kulluka Bhatt wrote the best known account of Manuscript in Varanasi in the 15th century. Bharatendu Harishchandra, Devaki Nandan Khatri, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Jaishankar Prasad are few names from Varanasi.

Varanasi is a major centre of arts and designs. It is a producer of silks and brocades with gold and silver thread work on sarees, carpet weaving, wooden toys and bangles made of glass, ivory work, perfumes, artistic brass and copper ware and a variety of handicrafts.

Many world famous musicians, dancers and historians who are connected with the city include Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, Girija Devi, Gopal Shankar Misra, Gopi Krishna, Kishan Maharaj, Lalmani Misra, N. Rajam, Siddheshwari Devi, Samta Prasad, and Sitara Devi.

Girija Devi of Varanasi, the famous classical singer of thumris.

Ravi Shankar of Varanasi, the iconic Sitar player who was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Bismillah Khan the Shehnai maestro of Varanasi who was awarded the Bharat Ratna.