Varanasi will now be considered as the 'city of music' by UNESCO Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Music, drama and entertainment are all synonymous with Varanasi. It has long been famous for its music, both vocal and instrumental and has its own dance traditions. Varanasi has now climbed the bandwagon of UNESCO "Cities of Music" under the Creative Cities Network. Nine cities — Glasgow (Scotland), Hanover and Mannheim (Germany), Ghent (Belgium), Hamamatsu (Japan), Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), Bogota (Columbia), Seville (Spain) and Bologna (Italy) are also a part of UNESCO "Cities of Music" "We had done preparatory work for six months before sending a proposal in April in this connection to the UNESCO. The approval of the proposal in music category clearly signifies the rich musical heritage of this ancient temple town," Varanasi Mayor Ramgopal Mohley told TOI on Wednesday. "The inclusion in the network has also paved way for representing the cultural heritage of the holy city on the world stage through the UNESCO project. It will not only provide a fillip to tourism, but will also give a chance to local artists and musicians to visit countries that are a part of this network," added Mohley.
