Day 1 of 103rd Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh Begins with Devotion and Music in Varanasi

Varanasi: The 103rd edition of the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh commenced with great enthusiasm and devotion at the sacred Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple on April 6. The six-day festival, which will continue until April 11, is one of India’s most prestigious classical music gatherings dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is held every year during the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

The opening evening witnessed a unique blend of spirituality, music, and literature. The festival began with a captivating dance-drama presentation by Roopvani Sanstha, setting the tone for a series of soulful performances throughout the night. Several renowned artists then took the stage, including santoor maestro Pt. Rahul Sharma, Kathak performances by leading dancers, and instrumental presentations featuring flute, violin, sitar, and tabla.

One of the highlights of the first day was the performance by Malini Awasthi, who mesmerized the audience with her powerful folk and classical renditions. The Padma Shri awardee’s performance received enthusiastic applause from devotees and music lovers gathered at the temple premises.

A new initiative called “Sahitya Manch” was also introduced during the festival this year. As part of this literary segment, Malini Awasthi’s book “Chandan Kiwaad” was discussed and presented before the audience. The initiative aims to connect music with literature and provide a platform for discussions on cultural and artistic heritage.

According to the organisers, the six-day festival will feature more than 130 artists and around 45–46 performances, including Padma award-winning artists as well as young debut performers from across the country.

Speaking about the event earlier, Vishwambhar Nath Mishra said that the Samaroh is not just a music festival but a spiritual offering to Lord Hanuman, where artists perform purely out of devotion.

Every night of the festival runs late into the early morning hours, creating a unique atmosphere where music, devotion, and tradition blend together. Thousands of devotees and music enthusiasts gather at the temple to witness the performances and experience the cultural richness of Kashi.

The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, which has been organised for more than a century, continues to be a significant cultural symbol of Varanasi, bringing together some of the finest musicians and dancers from across India to perform in the divine presence of Lord Hanuman.