Mahashivratri Celebrations at Varanasi

World famous musicians paid their devotional tributes to Nataraj, Lord Shiva at the annual Shivratri musical festival in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri. Maestros proficient in all three arts – dance, vocal music and instrumental music from different parts of the country displayed their best performances at this annual fest and won instant applause of the people of Varanasi. The festival commenced on 25th Feb. 2006, with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by Pujya Bhaishri. Celebrated Tabla Samrat Shri Kishan Maharaj of Varanasi who has been honoured with the award of Padmabhushan graced the occasion with his inspiring presence. Shrimati Sheela Mehta performed enchanting Kathak on the opening day. Thereafter Shri Shubhendu Rao of Delhi played the Sitar. Shri Shubhendu Rao is the disciple of the world famous maestro Shri Ravi Shankar.

On 26th Feb. Mahashivaratri, Pujya Bhaishri offered his special puja to Lord Shiva who is also known as the Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. Pujya Bhaishri performed an elaborate shodashopchar puja of Lord Shiva under the supervision of Brahmins from the South of India. In the evening the musical festival began with the Kathak dance of Bhavana Jalan, the daughter of Shri Kishan Jalan & Seema Jalan and grand daughter of Shri Deendayalji.

She had practiced for her dance over a period of just six months. Yet her performance was so perfect that one felt as if an accomplished artiste was performing. Shrimati Savitaji from Delhi gave a vocal recital. And Shri Rahul Sharma the son and disciple of world renowned Santoor maestro Shri Shivakumar Sharma played the Santoor. He was accompanied on the Tabla by Shri Shubhshankar who is the disciple and grandson of Shri Kishanji Maharaj. The other maestros who performed at this fest included Sarvashri Gopal Mishra, Arvind Azad, Vonod Lele, Nishad Bakre, Kanhaiyalal Mishra and Santosh Mishra.

The festival was organized by Sheth Shri Kishorilal Jalan Seva Trust of Varanasi.