Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): A new laurel was brought to Madhya Pradesh on the 100th edition of the Tansen Music Festival after 546 artists performed with nine classical musical instruments together in Gwalior on Sunday.
The ensemble created a Guinness World Record for giving a synchronized performance for nine minutes, which included both instrumental music and vocal contributions.
The event took place at the Gwalior Fort in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The politicians applauded the artists for their dedication to Indian classical music.
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Why was the performance special?
The presentation was held under direction of eminent flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar. There were 347 men and 189 women artistes. The team included a singer, 76 tabla players, 56 flautists, 80 violinists, 3 players on santoor, 13 on sarod , 11 on sarangi, 93 on sitar, 1 on sitar-banjo and 34 on harmonium.
The Guinness World Record team handed over the certificate of record to chief minister Mohan Yadav. “The record is a true tribute to legendary music emperor Tansen,” he said, adding, “this is a wonderful effort to preserve the musical heritage in UNESCO City of Music.”
He also said that it would boost the morale of art practitioners of state and inspire them to carry forward the music tradition. The inaugural day of five-day, Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, began with jugalbandi of sarangi and tabla by Yuji Nakagawa and Shigeru Moriyama from Japan under Vishwa Sangeet Sammelan. The performance was based on raga jog.
Sarangi player Yuji Nakagawa said his guru was Pandit Dhruv Ghosh from Mumbai and tabla player Shigeru Moriyama said he was a disciple of Pandit Lachhu Maharaj. Besides, the performances of santoor player Rahul Sharma from Mumbai, classical singer Mita Pundit from New Delhi and classical vocalist Bharti Pratap from Bengaluru were held. The students of Madhav Music College, Gwalior, also performed.
According to information, the grand ensemble played three ragas, Malhar, Miyan ki Todi, and Darbari Kanada, under the guidance of flutist Pandit Ronu Majumdar.
The musical performance was dedicated to one of India's greatest classical musicians, Tansen, as a tribute.
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Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the deep connection between Indian culture and music, highlighting how music awakens the soul and energizes the body. He also spoke about the spiritual significance of musical instruments in Indian tradition, citing examples like Lord Shiva's damaru and Lord Krishna's flute.
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Artists from across India participated
The record-breaking performance featured 347 male and 189 female artists from across India, showcasing the richness of Indian classical music. The event not only celebrated Tansen’s legacy but also inspired artists to carry forward India’s vibrant musical traditions.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, and Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat were among the dignitaries present, alongside a large audience of music enthusiasts.
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2023: 1,500 artists performed Vande Mataram in unison
This achievement follows another historic record made last year in Gwalior, where over 1,500 artists performed the national song Vande Mataram in unison, earning a Guinness World Record. The city, recognized by UNESCO as a hub of music, continues to uphold its cultural and musical heritage on a global stage.
