 In recent times , Girija Devi , the native famous classical singer of thumris , was widely appreciated and respected for her musical renderings . Varanasi is also associated with many great instrumentalists such as Ustad Bismillah Khan , Pandit Vikash Maharaj , and Pandit Ravi Shankar , the famous sitar player and musicologist who was given the highest civilian award of the country , the Bharat Ratna . Varanasi has joined the global bandwagon of UNESCO " Cities of Music " under the Creative Cities Network . Varanasi chosen in music category of creative cities network clearly signifies the rich musical heritage of this ancient city . 
 In recent times , Girija Devi , the native famous classical singer of thumris , was widely appreciated and respected for her musical renderings . Varanasi is also associated with many great instrumentalists such as Ustad Bismillah Khan , Pandit Vikash Maharaj , and Pandit Ravi Shankar , the famous sitar player and musicologist <a href='null_relcl' title='1'><mark>who</mark></a>was given the highest civilian award of the country , the Bharat Ratna . Varanasi <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> joined the global bandwagon of UNESCO " Cities of Music " under the Creative Cities Network . Varanasi chosen in music category of creative cities network clearly <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>signifies</mark></a> the rich musical heritage of this ancient city . 
In recent times , Girija Devi , da native famous classical singer of thumris , was widely appreciated and respected for her musical renderings . Varanasi is also associated wit many great instrumentalists such as Ustad Bismillah Khan , Pandit Vikash Maharaj , and Pandit Ravi Shankar , the famous sitar player and musicologist was given tdahighest civilian award of the country , thdaharat Ratna . Varanasi done joined the global bandwagon of UNESCO " Cities of Music " under the Creative Cities Network . Varanasi chosen in music category of creative cities network clearly signify thedach musical heritage of dis ancient city .