Introduction to Banaras Gharana Music - Workshop
- Dashaswamedh Ghat
₹4,499
Per Person
Experience the soul of Varanasi through music. Join a traditional workshop at a local music school and explore the sounds, instruments, and rhythm of the Banaras Gharana with hands-on learning and live demonstrations.

₹4,499
Per Person
2 hours
covered
Private
Included
Immerse yourself in the musical soul of Varanasi with our Banaras Gharana Music Workshop, a welcoming and interactive experience for everyone – whether you’re a traveller, an art lover, or simply curious about Indian classical music.
Hosted inside a small traditional music school, this workshop brings you face-to-face with local musicians who’ve dedicated their lives to keeping the Banaras Gharana alive. You’ll listen, learn, and even play alongside them – surrounded by the soft hum of tanpuras, the resonance of tablas, and the fragrance of incense that fills every corner of this living classroom.
Learn the basics of Indian classical music – understand raag, taal, rhythm, and melody.
Explore the Banaras Gharana, known for its expressive style and spiritual undertone.
Listen to live performances of traditional forms like Thumri, Dadra, and Kajri.
Hands-on experience with instruments like tabla, sitar, harmonium, and sarangi – try them yourself under expert guidance.
Cultural storytelling about how music and devotion blend in Banaras’ life.
Absolutely anyone! You don’t need to know how to sing or play an instrument – this is an experience for listeners, learners, and lovers of culture alike.
Perfect for:
Travellers seeking an authentic Banarasi art experience
Families, solo explorers, or small groups
Music enthusiasts and students
Anyone curious about the soulful side of Indian classical music
Duration: 2 hours
Venue: Traditional Music School, Varanasi (shared after booking)
Language: English / Hindi
Availability: Daily sessions
Type: Private/Small Group Session
Arrive at a traditional Banarasi music school, where the air hums with tanpura strings and the scent of incense.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by local musicians and offered light refreshments.
The session begins with a short introduction to the Banaras Gharana - its origins, legacy, and its deep connection with Kashi’s spiritual life.
Your hosts will guide you through the fundamentals of Indian classical music -
What is Raag and Taal
How rhythm (lay) and melody (sur) blend to create emotion
How music in Banaras differs from other gharanas like Lucknow or Gwalior
Short demonstrations help you hear these concepts come alive.
Sit back and enjoy an intimate live performance featuring local musicians.
You may hear the soulful flow of Thumri, the playfulness of Dadra, or the devotional beauty of Kajri.
The artists also showcase instruments like tabla, sitar, sarangi, harmonium, and share how each contributes to Banaras’ musical identity.
Here comes the interactive part!
Try your hand at a few instruments - feel the vibration of tabla beats or try simple notes on the harmonium or sitar under guidance.
This friendly, informal segment is perfect for beginners — no prior training or skill is required.
End the session with a short Q&A and discussion over chai.
Ask about the artists’ journeys, their daily riyaaz (practice), and how they keep the Banaras Gharana alive today.
You’ll leave not just with new knowledge, but with a deeper emotional connection to the sound of Kashi.




Climber32527441775Verified Walking with a friend Sourabh was the absolute best storyteller. He made us feel like we were walking around with a friend. He has a huge enthusiasm for history, and loves to tell you about what you’re seeing but also his thoughts on why it matters. He wants you to enjoy and you can’t help but do that. You’ll be asking so many questions as you learn more and more. We went first thing, seeing the morning aarti and meandered through the ghats, unexpected places and stories popping up everywhere. A storyteller, not a guide, Sourabh is a breath of fresh air for tourists looking to learn and gain a deeper understanding of Varanasi - anything else you learn is a welcome bonus. Enjoy. Gursimran BasraVerified Experience the core of Banaras with Varanasi Guru Saurabh from Varanasi Guru provided an exceptional walking tour experience, showcasing in-depth knowledge of the city. The tour encompassed food and culture exploration, delivering a superb overall experience. I was with Varanasi Guru for 4 days on the occasion of Dev Deepawali and couldn't have asked for more. Saurabh helped explore different ghats during different time's of the day to witness the life going around. I would highly suggest Varanasi Guru for your next visit to Banaras to experience the core. Ekaterina KarabanovaVerified I am so glad that I did it! Thanks a lot for showing me your beautiful city. Picture strolling down old streets before sunrise, sipping hot chai, and hearing amazing stories from a guide who felt like a local friend. From the sunlight on temple spires to the boatman on the Ganges, every moment was like feeling Varanasi's heartbeat. It wasn't just sightseeing; it was a chance to truly connect with the city, understand its stories, and even share some Bollywood gossip. Sourabh made me feel like a welcomed guest, not just a tourist, and when I left, I carried not just souvenirs but a piece of Varanasi etched in my heart. If you want an experience beyond the postcard version, trust me, Varanasi Guru is the way to go – it's like making a new friend and letting your soul soak in the ancient vibes of this incredible city. ? MelissaVerified We had best heritage walk experience in Varanasi. Thank you! We had a great experience with them. The guide, Sourabh was very knowledgeable and was also kind enough to customize the walk as per our interests. We wanted to focus more on the history of the city and understand the Hindu rituals at the Ghats. The best part of the entire tour was the storytelling session on the boat ride. He was very patient and answered all our questions. Overall it was a great experience and we are looking forward to coming back in November for the Dev Diwali tour with them. NoahVerified Thank you, Varanasi Guru, for showing us the magic that lies beyond the obvious. Had a great experience exploring the city Our guide, Saurabh, wasn't just a walking encyclopedia. He was a storyteller, weaving together history, myth, and personal anecdotes, bringing the stories of Varanasi's temples, palaces, and hidden gems to life. The walk wasn't a rigid itinerary. It ebbed and flowed like the Ganges itself, adapting to our curiosity and questions. We stumbled upon local rituals, tasted forgotten delicacies in bustling alleys, and even ventured into a hidden courtyard where generations of silk weavers continue their ancient craft. Every moment was a surprise, a window into the city's hidden soul. But beyond the sights and sounds, Varanasi Guru's walk offered something deeper. It was a meditation on life and mortality, played out on the stage of the ghats. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the river, we witnessed the daily ritual of life and death, a stark reminder of impermanence and the enduring beauty of human connection. preeti7Verified Getting to know Varanasi like never before! This was my third visit to Varanasi and the most memorable one. Accompanied by Sourabh Bhattacharya of Varanasi Guru, I was introduced to this incredible city like never before. Varanasi's rich treasure of history, mythology and culture was gently unravelled by Sourabh through his profound knowledge and understanding of the essence of the city. To anyone who wants to really know Varanasi, I'd recommend the walk by Varanasi Guru in a blink of an eye. Anyone can show you a city but it takes a team of special individuals who love Varanasi to help you know her well. Brian DeanVerified They make you feel the city Very well curated walk. The whole feeling of "Slowing down and living the moment" was the soul of it. Loved how the team was able to answer all our questions related to history and Indian mythology. If you're a traveler who likes to feel the places more than just visiting them just for the sake of pictures then do take a walk with them. They had a photographer and video guy so we didn't have to waste time on our stupid ass phone.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Yes, watching the Ganga Aarti from a boat in Varanasi is a mesmerizing experience, offering a unique vantage point of this spiritual ritual. However, due to high demand, especially during peak seasons and festivals, it’s advisable to book your boat ride in advance to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Our Boat Ride with Ganga Aarti package includes a scenic ride on the Ganges starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat, passing by other prominent ghats like Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, while witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi from the river.
The boat ride lasts approximately 3 hours. It includes the journey along the ghats as well as time for you to witness the Ganga Aarti, which usually takes about 50 minutes, depending on the time of year and the crowd.
We only offer private boat ride for the Ganga Aarti. The private boat ride allows a more intimate and safe experience.
Yes, you can book a Ganga Aarti boat ride in advance in Varanasi. This is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and festivals to ensure availability and avoid last-minute hassles.
The boat ride is available during the Ganga Aarti timings, which are usually in the evening, around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (timing may vary based on season). You can check the availability and exact timings while booking.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos during the ride. The view from the boat is perfect for capturing the Aarti ceremony(carry a zoom lens), the ghats, and the spiritual rituals. However, please be respectful and mindful of others during this sacred event.
Booking is easy through our website. Simply select your preferred date and fill the form. We will contact you via email or WhatsApp to confirm your booking.
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Original Price: ₹5300 | Discounted Price: ₹4599.
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