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.
