Ganges
has always been the not only the lifeline of India but also the
felicitator and nourishment of the Indian Civilization. The river
Ganges, though, considered a thing of reverence by the Hindus has in the
course of history defined the psyche of the Indian society as a whole,
irrespective of religion. It not only nourishes the population that
lives by its kingdom but also give them a sense of separate identity and
belonging. To mark this contribution of River Ganges, an annual festival
is organized that has been christened 'Ganga Mahotsava' Ganga Mahotsava is a 5-day festive event held on the banks of Ganges in Varanasi. Ganga Mahotsava tends to promote Varanasi and Ganga as the cultural capital and lifeline of India respectively. The event gives stress on the promotion of the classical style of Indian music & dance. It provides opportunity to viewers, to witness performance of the great exponents of Indian classical dance and music. Some of these exponents of art reside in Uttar Pradesh itself. In the past editions, laureates like Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pundit Chhanulal Misra, Girija Devi, Bal Murli Krishnan, Bhimsen Joshi, Birju Maharaj, Amjad Ali Khan, Vilayat Khan, Zila Khan, Sujat Khan and Zakir Hussein have given their enthralling performances in this festival. This festival is a must attend for every tourists. The event also coincides with Dev-Dipawali the festival of lights at Varanasi.
