 In recent times , <unk> Devi , the native famous classical singer of <unk> , was widely appreciated and respected for her musical renderings . Varanasi is also associated with many great <unk> such as <unk> <unk> Khan , Pandit <unk> Maharaj , and Pandit Ravi Shankar , the famous <unk> player and <unk> who was given the highest civilian award of the country , the Bharat <unk> . Varanasi has joined the global <unk> 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 . 
