BORN FROM THE LEGACY OF THE BANARAS GHARANA, SWARARCHAN CARRIES FORWARD A TIMELESS DREAM—UNITING VOICES OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC IN HARMONY.
Posted on 24 February 2026:
Swararchan: Reviving the Legacy of Banaras Gharana
Rooted in the vision of Pandit Bade Ram Das Ji, founder of the Banaras Gharana, and carried forward by Pandit Jaalpa Prasad Mishra Ji, Swararchan embodies a timeless devotion to Hindustani classical music.
In the rich yet fragile pages of Hindustani classical history, Pandit Bade Ram Das Ji stands as the visionary who founded the Banaras Gharana after gracing the Darbar of Nepal with his mastery of Swaras, Taal and Raagas . His unique vocal style was carried forward by his grandson Pandit Jaalpa Prasad Mishra Ji, who preserved the tradition in its purest form despite the absence of recordings, sustaining a heritage of devotion, discipline and timeless artistry.
Guided by his spiritual master Sant Shiromani Saidas Maharaj, Shri Shripad Kayande (Pankaj) journeyed from Jabalpur to Banaras to learn under Pt. Jaalpa Prasad Mishra Ji. Bound by faith and shared devotion, the master and disciple forged an unshakable bond. Like his guru, Shripad Kayande dedicated his life to preserving and perfecting the vocal traditions of the Banaras Gharana, carrying forward its timeless legacy with unwavering commitment.
Founded by Shri Shripad Kayande (Pankaj) in 2005 on the banks of the Narmada, Swararchan began as an annual celebration of Hindustani classical music. Though paused in 2011, it was revived during the pandemic as a successful online weekly meet, graced by artists from across India. Today, Swararchan continues as a vibrant offline gathering held every third Sunday, offering maestros and students a shared stage to preserve and celebrate the timeless traditions of Indian classical music.
Each October, on the Punyatithi of Late Pandit Jaalpa Prasad Mishra Ji, Swararchan hosts its annual Vaarshikotsav—a heartfelt celebration of Hindustani classical music. Artists and disciples from diverse places gather to perform, while all those who graced the monthly stage throughout the year reunite in a shared abode of melody and devotion.
