Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh 2026 in Varanasi

Venue & Setting

The festival is held at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) — a spiritually significant temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Wikipedia+2varanasi.tourismindia.co.in+2
The temple not only serves as a place of worship but also as a cultural hub where classical music thrives in a devotional ambience.

Duration & Timing

• The festival typically spans 4–6 days, annually around the time of Hanuman Jayanti (in Chaitra, i.e., March–April).
• It has grown from a one-night event (beginning in 1923) to one of North India’s major classical-music gatherings.

Objective & Legacy

• The key aim: to celebrate Hindustani (and broadly Indian) classical music in a devotional setting, bringing together maestros and upcoming talent.
• Entry is typically free, and performers often participate without fees, underscoring the festival’s spirit of offering rather than commercialisation.
• Legacy: Initiated in 1923, it has a deep-rooted history in Varanasi’s musical culture.
• The temple and festival emphasise cultural inclusivity — musicians of different communities perform, and the audience includes devotees and music lovers alike.

Lineup & Performances

• The programme features vocalists (e.g., khayal, dhrupad, thumri), instrumentalists (sitar, flute, tabla), and sometimes dance or jugalbandi segments.
• For instance, the 2025 edition included 11 Padma-awardees and 16 emerging artists, showing the high calibre of the festival.
• Examples of past performers: Hariprasad Chaurasia (flute), Anup Jalota (vocals), among others.

Audience & Atmosphere

• The festival attracts music aficionados, scholars, students, and tourists — as well as temple-visitors seeking spiritual and cultural experience.
• The setting is unique: classical music performed in a temple courtyard, under evening skies, in a devotional mood.
• Note: Mobile phones are often discouraged during sessions to preserve the ambience and respect the performers.

Spiritual Aspect

• Although the festival is primarily cultural, it retains a deep spiritual dimension: the venue (the Sankat Mochan temple) is a shrine to the “reliever of troubles” — Lord Hanuman.
• One of the temple’s officiants remarked that the festival is “not just about music; it is a medium to connect with Lord Hanuman.”
• The very name “Sankat Mochan” (remover of obstacles) echoes the belief that attending this festival has a devotional benefit as well.

Why It’s Special

• Free entry and high-quality performances make it accessible and egalitarian — a rare feature for a festival of this standard.
• The blending of devotion and art: an artistic offering within a sacred space, enhancing the emotional and sensory experience.
• Long tradition: nearly a century old, with roots deep in Varanasi’s cultural fabric.
• Venue on the banks of the river Assi, in the heart of Varanasi, adds geographical and cultural magic.

Practical Visitor Tips

• Arrive early: Because it is free and popular, choose a good spot before the performances begin (often evenings).
• Respect the ambience: Many attendees suggest turning off/muting phones, minimal talking during performances.
• Dress modestly: Since this is also a temple space.
• Check dates: Although around Hanuman Jayanti, exact dates may shift slightly — check local updates or temple announcements.
• Combine with pilgrimage: Since you’re likely visiting the temple anyway, you can make it part of a broader cultural-spiritual trip in Varanasi.