Banaras gave me the notes, Bhatkhande polished them: Bhojpuri singer Sarita Tiwari

Lucknow: A new star is rising in the world of Bhojpuri music – Sarita Tiwari. Settling in Lucknow to hone her art, this singer is originally a daughter of Banaras. Her voice, emerging from the waves of the Ganges, carries the spirituality of Kashi along with the earthy fragrance of Bhojpuri. Sarita is not just an emerging talent, but an artist who imparts classical depth to Bhojpuri folk music. Her singing encompasses the austerity of Nirgun, the merriment of Chaita-Phag, and the shine of modern fusion. This very balance is giving her a distinct position in the Bhojpuri world.

Born in Banaras, Sarita Tiwari’s childhood was spent amid the steps of the ghats, the bells of temples, and the melodic waves of folk songs. The musical air of Kashi infused the stream of music into her veins. But to take her art to professional heights, she turned towards Lucknow. There, she learned the intricacies of classical music at Bhatkhande Music Institute. Receiving education from a prestigious institution like Bhatkhande is no ordinary feat. Here, she absorbed the depth of ragas and raginis, the finesse of taals, and the purity of notes. By placing the folk tunes of Banaras on the classical foundation of Bhatkhande, Sarita has given Bhojpuri singing a new dimension.

Today, Sarita is a B-High Grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan. Her recognition on these national platforms is proof that her voice holds a rare confluence of classical and folk. Her Bhojpuri bhajans and folk songs on All India Radio broadcasts reach remote villages, while her performances on Doordarshan enchant urban audiences as well. This blend of Banaras’s spirituality and Lucknow’s classicism is making her singing immortal.

Sarita’s journey has also reached major music labels. Her songs with T-Series have reached millions of listeners. These songs weave traditional Bhojpuri tunes with modern beats, which are particularly popular among the youth. Her shows on Mahua TV have given Bhojpuri audiences a new flavor. In the channel’s special episodes, Sarita’s live presentations have kept viewers captivated. Her singing carries the pathos of Banaras’s Birha, along with the grace of Lucknow’s Thumri.

Sarita has left her mark on national and international stages. Her performance at the Taj Mahotsav introduced foreign guests to the magical world of Bhojpuri. At Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, her Ram bhakti bhajans ignited the flame of faith amid millions of lamps. At the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, her voice echoing on the banks of the Ganges made even saints and ascetics sway. These platforms bear witness to Sarita’s versatile talent.

Sarita Tiwari is the hope of the new generation in Bhojpuri music. This artist, flourishing from the folk roots of Banaras and the classical branches of Bhatkhande, proves that tradition and modernity can walk hand in hand. Her journey inspires that true art breaks boundaries. There is no doubt that Sarita’s star will shine even brighter in the Bhojpuri world.