Go to :  Index File

Ganga Mahotsav begins in Varanasi

     Varanasi: "Ganga Mahotsav", an annual feature held in October-November, began in Varanasi today. A large number of foreign tourists and Hindu devotees thronged the city to participate in the ongoing cultural festival on the banks of the river Ganges. The four-day festival is organised in the honour of river Ganges, and a large number of people from across the world enjoy the event, which is a blend of music and dance. It presents a slice of the city's art and culture and highlights music and dance programmes. Biku Vinayak Ramji, a Ghatam player, said he anxiously waits for the festival every year. "After a long time, I have come here and I am very proud to perform in this event as it is a big event. I am playing a musical instrument called Ghatam this time," said Ramji. "A large number of foreign tourists participate in this festival with as much vigour as the locals or domestic tourists and celebrate it like Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights," said Baba Khadaknath, a local priest. "I am very excited to see this programme because there are so many interesting instruments here that I have not seen before. Specially Tabla, because my son is learning the instrument and it is is interesting to see professionals performing on it," said Shishi,a tourist from the UK.
-Nov 24, 2004