VARANASI, Nov. 2 -- The four-day Kashi Ganga Mahotsav, themed 'Kan Kan Mein Kashi, Ras-Ras Mein Banaras' (Kashi in every particle, Banaras in every flavour), began on Saturday, filling the ghats with soulful tunes that will continue to echo every evening till November 4. The festival was inaugurated by minister of state (independent charge) for stamps, court fee and registration Ravindra Jaiswal, who lit the ceremonial lamp in the presence of district magistrate Satyendra Kumar, municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, and joint director of tourism Dinesh Singh. Jaiswal said Kashi's fame lies in its year-round festivities. "Festivals are celebrated here 365 days a year. The Kashi Ganga Mahotsav, held on the banks of the north-flowing Ganga, has earned national and international recognition. People from across India and abroad come to be part of it," he added. He added that Dev Deepawali, celebrated soon after the four-day Mahotsav, has also gained global acclaim. The cultural events during the Ganga Mahotsav, he said, provide a significant platform for local and emerging artists to showcase their talent. The festival, which opened with a Kathak duet by Pt Mata Prasad Mishra and Pt Ravi Shankar Mishra, will feature a rich array of performances across genres by national, international, and local artistes. The vibrant confluence of music, dance, and folk art, organised at Rajghat from November 1 to 4, will highlight the essence of Banaras' cultural heritage. Eminent performers including singer Hansraj Raghuvanshi, Malini Awasthi, and Geeta Chandran will take the stage. Artistes from the Kashi MP Cultural Programme Competition will also perform at Namo Ghat. According to joint director of tourism Dinesh Kumar, the Mahotsav will be a grand celebration of song, dance, and instrumental music. The stage will resonate with the rhythms of folk and classical melodies, complemented by glimpses of traditional dance forms....