Musical instruments used in Varanasi religious rites

Abstract The study investigates the use of traditional ceremonial musical instruments in Varanasi festivals and temples today, as well as instruments and music of Varanasi which have pauranic (mythical) origins. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world that is still inhabited. The Hindu city of Varanasi, also called Banaras or Kashi, is located by the Ganges river in northern India and plays a significant role in the customs of pilgrimage, death, and sorrow. The methodology integrates a qualitative investigation of the different religions prevalent in the ancient Indian metropolis, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Concurrently, a historical and contextual analysis of musical instruments offers a more profound understanding of how their physical characteristics and playing methods have changed throughout time. Every religion in Varanasi has its own music and instruments for prayers and celebrations. Many temples from different religious gharanas are specifically highlighted in the article, along with their rites. The results demonstrate the range of musical instruments, such as shankh, dholak, mridangam, pakhawaj, manjira, damru, nagara, shehnai, and nadaswaram, among others, and how they continue to be used in modern religious traditions. The study employs a mixed methodology, gathering data from the Varanasi temples and conducting interviews. Key words: Musical Instrument, Traditional, Ritualistic, Indian Music, Religion.