Riyaz Banaras is not just a music school or performance space — it’s a living, breathing cultural experience rooted in the timeless traditions of the Banaras Gharana.
"Swaranjali" C-23/83 Kabir Chaura- Varanasi - 221001
Rahul and Rohit Mishra belong to two of the most respected families of the Benaras Gharana tradition. Their paternal grandfather, Late Pt. Baijnath Prasad Mishra, was a renowned Sarangi player, while their maternal grandfather, Late Pt. Sharda Sahai, was a direct descendant of Pt. Ram Sahai, the founder of the Banaras tabla style. Sons of Pt. Triloki Nath Mishra, they are also the Gandabandh Shishya of Padma Vibhushan Girija Devi, herself a disciple of their great-grandfather, Late Pt. Sarju Prasad Mishra. Trained in the traditional vocal styles of Benaras, Rahul and Rohit excel in Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, Dadra, Chaiti, Kajri, Hori, and Bhajan. They are empanelled artists of the Ministry of Culture’s Festival of India Abroad, graded artists of All India Radio and Doordarshan, and hold a Praveen degree from Prayag Sangeet Samiti. Their accolades include the Surmani title from Sur Singar Samsad (Mumbai) and recognition from Rotary Club Kolkata.
Rahul and Rohit are national scholarship holders and visiting faculty at PRSSV Varanasi. In 2014, they collaborated with U.S.-based singer ITIDA on a fusion album Des-Pardes, released by Hungama Music, with Rahul also serving as composer. Rahul is the co-founder of the band Des~Pardes, which became the first international fusion band under A.R. Rahman’s Qyuki. During his UK tour (2018–19), he taught and performed extensively, working with institutions like Abbey Road Studios and producers Martin Glover and Santiago Emanuel. Rahul also teaches Indian classical music virtually at Codarts University, Netherlands. Together, the brothers carry forward their grandfather’s mission “Each One, Teach One,” providing free music education to underprivileged learners and building cross-cultural collaborations globally.
