Girija Devi

Girija Devi is a celebrated Indian classical vocalist representing the Benaras gharana. She is proficient in Khyal, Thumri and Tappa. Girija Devi's father Ramdeo Rai was a Zaminadar and he inculcated the interest of music into his daughter. At the tender age of five, Girija Devi began taking lessons in music from masters such as Pandit Sarju Prasad Mishra and Shrichand Mishra. Girija Devi's very first music recital took place in the year 1949 from the Allahabad branch of the All India Radio. Girija Devi has performed live at numerous regions in India as well as in other parts of the world like at the United States of America, the former USSR and various other European countries. Girija Devi is honored with Padma Shree (1972), Padma Bhushan (1989), Tansen award, Sangeet Natak Academy Award, etc. She is a senior Guru at ITC SRA. Girija Devi has composed a lot of Thumris and Bandishes.