Subah-E-Banaras: A Harmony of Music, Dance and Culture

Subah-E-Banaras: The Cultural Event That Represents the Varanasi Lifestyle

What Is Subah-E-Banaras?

Many people often confuse the morning Aarti at the ghats with the Subah-E-Banaras program. Technically, the term means the mornings in Varanasi, but it is a specific program. It was launched by the UP government to encourage cultural awareness.

The program includes many performing art performances by singers, musical instrument players, dancers, theater artists, etc. So it is more of an all-rounder experience than simply the Aarti. The Aarti holds immense religious importance, undoubtedly, but Subah-E-Banaras appeals to every audience and all kinds of people.

To summarize, Subah-E-Banaras is a cultural program in Varanasi. It includes artistic performances by local and even other artists that people can enjoy while sitting on the ghat. It is not a mere event for the locals, but it’s a part of their lifestyle.

How Did the Tradition of Subah-E-Banaras Begin?

The program got kick-started by the committee formed by the UP Government consisting of Varanasi’s DM Pranjal Yadav, Varanasi’s Chief Development Officer Mr. Vishak Iyer, and the Regional Cultural Center Chief Dr. Ratnesh Verma.

Their straightforward but engaging idea aimed to create a platform for artists and a learning place for the people. It would help share the city’s cultural heritage with the locals and tourists.

And since its inauguration in 2014, it has gained immense popularity. It is easily the most known Varanasi music and cultural program. Hence, Subah-E-Banaras Shayari and other programs have been a catalyst in improving the tourist experience in the city. Aside from being a tourist attraction, it has given a platform for artists to polish and display their skills.

The Cultural Value of Subah-E-Banaras for The Locals

Though the initiative is merely eight years old now, the connection of Banaras to music has been a long one. Varanasi may be popular as the religious capital of India, but it holds immense cultural importance too. And this fact gets overlooked by most people who visit due to a lack of opportunities.

Artists like Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi, Kishan Maharaj, and more are deeply connected with the city. And art has always been one of the best channels for entertainment for locals. In an older city, people prefer live performances and person-to-person interactions over digital forms even now.

Hence, the program is close to many people’s hearts in Varanasi. It enables them to stay in touch with their cultural heritage and stick to their roots. But at the same time, it helps bring such unique art to the mainstream media and let people know more about it.

Why Do Foreigners Adore the Program?

Subah-E-Banaras is one of the best cultural events that even tourists know a lot about. Musical programs happen all over the city at multiple periods, but this one has been popularized strategically.

Since the location, timings, and arrangements are all in place, tourists never have trouble finding their way to the program. Once seated, they get mesmerized by the unique melodies, yoga postures, and dances displayed on the stage. Since it is different from what they usually see, it becomes a point of fascination for them.

Hence, it is popular among tourists just as much as it is among locals. If anything, tourists appreciate and enjoy the art form more since it is a one-of-a-kind experience in the city. So its purpose of being a tourist attraction has been fulfilled throughout the years.

How, When and Where to Attend Subah-E-Banaras?

To attend the musical event, you have to visit the Assi Ghat. The ghat is one of the most famous places in Varanasi, so you can even find accurate directions on Google Maps. It is very close to the Lanka area, and you can reach there by calling a taxi. Getting public transport early in the morning may be difficult, so having a vehicle would be advantageous.

The Subah-E-Banaras timing is 5 am in the summer and 5:30 am in the winter. However, since it is a popular program, you can estimate that there will be a lot of people attending it. So if you reach earlier, you can get the best seat and view of the program.

There are no entry fees to watch the Subah-E-Banaras program and is publicly performed on the ghat. You can sit on the ghat steps or in the seating area and enjoy the cultural events while witnessing the darkness convert into light gradually.

Other Activities to Do After Enjoying Subah-E-Banaras

When you think of Subah-E-Banaras- the cultural program is not the only highlight. After the program is over, most residents then have breakfast nearby. It is an old tradition of waking up early and getting a head start for the day by having a fulfilling meal.

You must have heard of Kachori Sabzi, which is the perfect dish to have after Subah-E-Banaras Assi Ghat. You can find many vendors by the ghat or even in the streets beyond it. The food is popular street food in Varanasi, so it is easy to locate.

Furthermore, you can walk through the BHU campus in the morning to avoid the heat during the day. Or, you can take a boat ride through all the ghats and witness the beauty of the Ganges river in full bloom.

Unlike many other cities, Varanasi is very active from the early mornings. You would see people out and about even when the sun hasn’t risen. Hence, you can enjoy the streets and the food while you admire the city’s architecture for the simplest activity.

Conclusion

Cultural experiences are what fill the streets of Varanasi with music and laughter. They are an essential part of the city almost as old as the streets themselves. So you must have a taste of the cultural events if you visit, or even if you’re a resident.

Subah-E-Banaras is one such program that brings artists of various forms together at one stage. The short but early program consists of some of the most impeccable performances by local artists, making it a surreal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Subah-E-Banaras program start?
To attend the Aarti, you must visit the ghat by 4 am, while for the musical programs it is 5 am. However, these timings may vary with a change in the weather. So you can reach out and join in as early as possible for you.

Where does Subah-E-Banaras take place?
Subah-E-Banaras takes place specifically in Assi Ghat, a well-known Varanasi Ghat. You can attend the Aarti even at other ghats. However, the musical program is limited only to the Assi ghat.

Is Subah-E-Banaras a religious program?
Some elements in the program have a religious background, but that is not all that it is limited to. The program is more of a cultural event that brings people and various art forms together in one place.