Girija Devi

Born in 1929 in Varanasi, Girija Devi is one of the leading Hindustani vocalists. She was initially a student of Sarju Prasad Misra and continued subsequent training under Shrichandra Misra. She is especially known for her rendering of Thumri, Tappa, Chaiti, Kajri etc. in the Benaras style. She also sings Khayal.

Girija Devi has received many honours in her career. The Padma Bhushan, an honorary D.Litt. from the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeth, Varanasi (1996), the Tensen Award of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Award in 1996. For her service to Hindustani music, she was conferred the Sangeet natak Akademi Award in 1977.