Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Aug 24: Udupi witnessed a historic cultural moment as renowned singer, Akashvani top-grade artiste and playback singer Vidushi Sangeetha Balachandra successfully completed ‘Panchavimshati’, a 25-hour solo Dasarapada singing marathon, earning a place in the Golden Book of World Records.
Vidushi Sangeetha Balachandra sang 250 Dasara padas continuously for 25 hours as part of the record attempt, which commenced at 6.30 am on August 23 at Sri Puttige Narasimha Auditorium, Geetha Mandir, Udupi. The event was sponsored by Bhima Jewellers and concluded at 7.40 am on August 24 in the presence of Adamaru Math Swamiji Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji and several dignitaries.
The performance was accompanied by noted musicians Gururaj, Mogi Gururaj and Rajya Karivellur on keyboard; Prabhakar Ammingod and Vamana K on rhythm pad; Deekshith Kodancha and Deepak Raj Ullasu on tabla; and Santhosh Vittal on flute.
The uniqueness of the achievement lies in the fact that the entire 25-hour performance was devoted exclusively to Dasa Sahitya, the devotional songs and compositions of the Haridasas. Supported by accomplished accompanying musicians, Sangeetha Balachandra presented one composition after another in a melodious and devotional manner, transforming the record attempt into an uninterrupted stream of Harinama Smarana.
The achievement was formally certified by Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records, who announced the successful completion of the record attempt and presented the official recognition to Sangeetha Balachandra.
At a simple ceremony held thereafter, Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji conferred upon Vidushi Sangeetha Balachandra the special title 'Geetha Gangothri', as suggested by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puttige Matha.
Addressing the gathering, Adamaru Math Swamiji Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji said that the 250 Dasarapadas sung during the marathon gave new meaning and recognition to the compositions of the Dasas. “Many used to ask why the Dasas composed so many songs. Today, all those songs have become meaningful. By singing 250 songs for 25 hours, Sangeetha has given meaning to their work. Usually, titles are conferred after an achievement, but in Sangeetha’s case, she is named Sangeetha itself. By singing Krishna bhajans, she has offered herself to Lord Sri Krishna,” he said.
Swamiji further expressed the hope that the record would not be broken by anyone else and that Sangeetha herself would surpass it in the future by undertaking a 50-hour singing marathon.
Congratulating Sangeetha Balachandra, Dr Manish Vishnoi said, “It is truly an honour to be here at Geetha Mandir, Udupi. Udupi is a spiritual place, and Vidushi Balachandra has brought further distinction to it through this extraordinary 25-hour singing dedication to Lord Krishna.”
Appreciating the musicians who accompanied Sangeetha throughout the marathon, Dr Vishnoi said that a performance of such magnitude would not have been possible without musical accompaniment. “After 25 hours of singing, I can still see the power and energy of this temple reflected in Sangeetha. She is still shining,” he added.
On the occasion, Vidushi Sangeetha Balachandra was specially felicitated with a shawl, crown and garland. Her parents, Geetha Puranik and Sri Vedavyasa Puranik, were also honoured and blessed by the Swamiji. The accompanying artistes who supported the 25-hour musical marathon were likewise felicitated with shawls and received the blessings of the Swamiji.
Among those present were Nagaraj Acharya, diwan of Sri Puttige Matha, and Prasanna Acharya, international secretary of the Matha, along with several dignitaries. Vijaya Nagaraj Acharya and Lakshmi Prasanna Acharya also felicitated Vidushi Sangeetha Balachandra.
The successful completion of the marathon marked a significant achievement in the field of devotional music and brought recognition to Udupi’s rich spiritual and cultural tradition.