Girija Devi (8 May 1929 – 24 October 2017) was an eminent Indian classical singer of the Seniya and Banaras gharanas. She performed classical and light classical music and helped elevate the profile of Thumri, a genre of Indian music that is a blend of semi-classical and folk elements. Girija Devi was born in Varanasi (also known as Benares), the city renowned for its rich cultural and musical heritage. She began her training under the tutelage of Pandit Sarju Prasad Misra at a young age and went on to refine her skills under the guidance of Pandit Chand Misra in a variety of styles including Khayal and Tappa.
Throughout her illustrious career, Girija Devi performed across India and internationally, forging a reputation as an artist of immense caliber and depth. Her repertoire included the purab ang thumri of her native Banaras, as well as kajri, chaiti, and holi, the regional genres that reflect the seasons and festivals of India. Her contributions to the field of Indian classical music have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, which are among India's highest civilian honors. Devi was not only a performer but also an adept guru, imparting her knowledge to the future generations. Her music continues to inspire and captivate audiences, preserving the cultural legacy of Indian classical music through her recordings and the memories of her performances.
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