What is the Music Festival About?
Sankat Mochan Music Festival or Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is the annual festival of Indian classical music and dance, which is held at Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi. The renowned musicians and performers across the country take part in this festival. This 5 to 6 days long annual music festival allows you to interact with world-renowned musicians. Sankat Mochan Music Festival is one of the most exclusive cultural events of Varanasi. The highly acknowledged singers, musicians, and performers of Indian Classical disciplines gather here. As the artists perform free of cost for the open public, there is no entry fee to attend the Sankat Mochan Music Festival.
When will the Sankat Mochan Music Festival Organize in 2023?
This year, Sankat Mochan Music Festival will be celebrated.
Why is it called Sankat Mochan Music Fest?
Every year, this amazing music festival is held on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti in April. During the music festival, thousands of devotees and music lovers visit here to be a part of the musical environment. The magic of the festival entices visitors in such a manner that they enjoy and spend wakeful nights in the temple premises. This 5 to 6 day-long music festival in Varanasi is considered as a tribute or a ‘haazari’ to Lord Hanuman, which is blended with music, dance, and physical bravery. The blissful environment of the temple is a class to behold.
History of the Sankat Mochan Music Festival
The celebration of the music festival was started in 1923 and was incorporated by some of the renowned Indian classical artists like Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Anup Jalota, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Pandit Kelucharan Mahapatra, and many others.
Kelucharan Mahapatra, the Odissi guru has been associated with this festival since its early days. He had also played an instrumental part in beginning the participation of women musicians in this remarkably famous celebration. Apart from classical music and dance performances, few tablas and other melodic instrument performances add more appeal to this 6 days long music festival.
Why is this Music Festival Unique?
There are plenty of festivals in India to keep us happy all year long and the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is one of them. The significance of this music festival is comparable to other music festivals of the country like Doverlane Music Conference, Kolkata, and Saptak Music Festival, Ahmadabad. Undoubtedly, Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh is one of the most beloved celebrations in Varanasi and in the entire India.
The best part about this music festival is that it is open to all and no visitor passes or preferred VIP area is required to be a part of this festival. Another interesting perspective of this music festival is that artists perform free of cost. It may sound strange but it is true. The artists who charge money for performing worldwide, consider themselves honored and blessed to perform in this open music festival. The artists show their respect and devotion to Lord Hanuman and hence the artists perform for free.
During the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, the stage is formed on the Veranda facing the Lord Hanuman’s idol in the sanctum. The rest of the courtyard is packed with the audience with a slight distance from the performers. The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh presents an occasion to revel in simplicity and it unquestionably provides us a sight of how culture continues to inspire life into us. The beauty, glamour, and rich custom of the temple just doubles during this festival and makes Varanasi undoubtedly a more beautiful city.
How to Reach Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple, which is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The city of Varanasi is well connected to the major cities of India. Scroll down to know more details about how to reach the temple when you are in Varanasi.
By Air
If you wish to visit the Sankat Mochan temple, then first you have to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is located about 28 km away from the Sankat Mochan temple. On arrival, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Sankat Mochan temple is Varanasi Junction, which is about 7 km away from the temple. On arrival, you can hire a taxi or can take an auto to reach the temple.
By Road
Varanasi is well-connected to major cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states by state-run buses. Chaudhary Charan Singh bus Stand, Varanasi is the nearest bus station, which is about 6 km away from the temple. On arrival, you can hire a taxi or can take an auto to reach the temple.
