Music Pathway to be a true tribute to Banaras Gharana

Varanasi: The holy city of Varanasi, also known for its ‘Banaras Gharana' of music, is set to receive a unique gift of a ‘Music Pathway'.
The ‘Music Pathway' is being constructed with a length of 1.5 km and a width of 15 feet. Music from the Banaras gharana will continuously play on the pathway, offering visitors a unique experience.
This pathway, being built parallel to the wall of the central jail from Phulwaria Tiraha to Shivpur, is nearly 90% complete. The pathway features continuous music from the Banaras Gharana to give a unique experience to visitors and passersby.
UP minister of state for stamp and court registration fees (independent charge) Ravindra Jaiswal recently inspected the site of the Music Pathway along with VDA vice-chairman Pulkit Garg and engineers from the executing agency. He said that the pathway includes portraits of renowned musicians from the Banaras gharana, along with their biographies. Additionally, instruments like the shehnai, tabla and shekhawat have been installed. The minister also tested these instruments. He instructed engineers from the executing agency to complete the remaining 10% of the work promptly and with quality, using a campaign approach.
The Banaras Gharana of music is one of the most prominent gharanas in the tradition of Hindustani classical music. It originates from the historic city of Varanasi which has long been regarded as a centre of art and culture. The Banaras Gharana holds a distinct place, particularly in the genres of thumri, khayal and tabla. Many legendary musicians and vocalists have been associated with this gharana, such as Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Girija Devi and Rajan-Sajan Mishra. One of the hallmark characteristics of the Banaras Gharana is its unique style that blends melody with powerful rhythmic patterns. The compositions in this gharana often incorporate bol-bant, layakari and intricate taans.
The influence of folk traditions and spiritual themes, including bhajans and kirtans, is a defining feature in many performances. The Banaras Gharana continues to nurture and inspire new generations of artists, keeping the rich heritage and musical innovation alive.