What’s unique about the Sankat Mochan festival
The Hindu
The popular Sankat Mochan festival in Benaras celebrates inclusivity as much as music
For the second year in a row, one of the most popular and eagerly awaited classical music and dance festivals, Sankat Mochan of Benaras was held online, from May 1 to 6. From the familiar open air temple courtyard, the anchor made announcements; some live performances by local artistes were recorded there, while artistes from across the country sent their recorded haazris (a term used for performances at this festival). The mahant of the Sankat Mochan temple, Prof. Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, said, “We thought this year we could revert to physical concerts, but it was not to be.” Music concerts at this temple have been a way of life for decades now, and three generations of mahants have themselves been musicians. In its 97th year, the annual festival holds all-night concerts for six nights. The music lovers of Benaras make it a point not to miss this feast, even switching off their phones for the duration! For the participating artistes, who perform gratis, the highpoint is the unique way in which the audience here expresses its appreciation — with both hands raised and with cries of ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ The informal ambience with the audience sitting all around the stage adds to the festival’s charm.More Related News