Varanasi's Historic Sankatmochan Temple Launches 103rd Hanumajjayanti Mahotsav
The sacred grounds of Varanasi's revered Sankatmochan Temple are set to come alive with the divine sounds of classical music and devotional recitations during the grand Hanumajjayanti Mahotsav. This six-day cultural extravaganza, officially known as the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, marks its remarkable 103rd edition, running from April 6 to April 11, 2024.
A Celebration of Musical Excellence and Spiritual Devotion
Organized within the temple premises, this overnight open-air festival promises an unforgettable experience for devotees and music enthusiasts alike. The event will showcase an extraordinary assembly of artistic talent, featuring 12 distinguished Padma Award recipients alongside 21 promising debut art practitioners, creating a perfect blend of established mastery and emerging creativity.
Mahant of Sankat Mochan Temple, Professor Vishwambharnath Mishra, emphasized the festival's significance in preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage. "This festival has become an institution in itself," he noted, "bringing together the finest classical musicians under one roof for six nights of spiritual and artistic celebration."
Stellar Lineup of Performances
The festival commences on April 6 with a captivating dance drama presentation by Roopvani Sanstha, setting the tone for the days to follow. The opening night continues with performances by santoor maestro Pt Rahul Sharma, Kathak artist Vidhalal, flute-violin duo S Akash and Yadnesh Raikar, vocalist Malini Awasthi, tabla soloist Rahul Mishra, sitar virtuoso Pt Harvinder Sharma, and Kathak dancer Shikha Bhattacharya.
Subsequent nights feature equally impressive rosters:
- April 7: Pt U Rajesh and Pt Shivmani (mandolin-drum), Pt Vishwamohan Bhatt and Salil Bhatt (Mohanveena-Satvik Veena), Jargam Akran Khan and Khurram Ali Niyazi (tabla jugalbandi), Ustad Gullam Abbas Khan (vocal), Pt Shubh Maharaj (tabla solo), Pt Kushal Das (sitar), and Pt Ratan Mohan Sharma (vocal)
- April 11 (Finale): Pt Ratikant Mahapatra and Sujata Mahapatra (Odissi), Mehtab Ali Niyazi (sitar), Kalapini Komkali (vocal), Shiraz Ali Khan (sarod), Pt Abhay Rustam Sopori (Shattantri Veena), Pt Harish Tiwari (vocal), Ustad Shakir Khan (sitar), and Pt Sajan Mishra with Shri Swaransh Mishra (vocal)
Preliminary Festivities Begin April 2
The celebrations actually commence earlier, on April 2, with Chaitra Shukla Paksha Purnima observances. This preliminary event includes special adornment ceremonies, tableau presentations, aarti rituals, and worship dedicated to Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ji Maharaj, preparing the spiritual atmosphere for the main musical festival.
This year's Hanumajjayanti Mahotsav represents not just a musical gathering but a significant cultural institution that has endured for over a century. By featuring both internationally acclaimed masters and promising new talents, the festival continues to fulfill its mission of nurturing India's classical arts while providing a platform for spiritual expression through music and dance.
