Udupi: Renowned singer Vidhushi Sangeetha Balachandra, an Akashvani top-grade artiste and playback singer, is set to undertake a 25-hour continuous singing marathon in Udupi to mark 25 years of her journey in the field of music.
Titled ‘Panchavimshati’, the event is being organised with the sponsorship of Bhima Jewellers. The marathon is also aimed at securing a place in the Golden Book of World Records, with Sangeetha Balachandra set to sing Dasara Padas continuously for 25 hours.
Marathon to begin on August 23
Addressing the media at a press conference held at the Udupi Press Club on Monday, Sangeetha Balachandra said the programme would be held at Sri Puttige Narasimha Sabha Bhavana at Geetha Mandir, near Sri Krishna Math.
The singing marathon will begin at 6.30 am on August 23 and continue without interruption until 7.30 am on August 24.
The performance will span 1,500 minutes, making it an ambitious test of musical endurance and preparation. The programme has been planned as a celebration of the singer’s 25-year journey in music while also showcasing the devotional repertoire of Dasara Padas.
250 Dasara Padas prepared for event
A major highlight of the marathon will be the presentation of 250 Dasara Padas.
All 250 compositions have been newly composed and musically arranged specifically for the event. The repertoire will form the core of the 25-hour performance and will allow the singer to present a wide range of devotional compositions during the marathon.
The extensive preparation required for the event includes arranging the compositions, planning the sequence of the performance and ensuring that musical accompaniment remains uninterrupted throughout the 25 hours.
The programme is intended to combine a record attempt with a celebration of devotional music and the singer’s long association with the field.
Two teams to provide continuous accompaniment
To ensure that the performance continues smoothly for the entire duration, two separate teams of accompanying artistes have been arranged.
The musicians will provide accompaniment on keyboard, rhythm pad, flute and tabla. The two teams will alternate during the marathon, allowing the musical support to continue while ensuring that the accompanying artistes can take necessary breaks.
The arrangement is particularly important for a performance of such extended duration, where maintaining continuity and musical quality requires careful coordination between the lead performer and the accompanying artistes.
The organisers have made preparations to ensure that the 25-hour programme proceeds without interruption.
First woman singer in state for extended Dasara Pada performance
Sangeetha Balachandra said the attempt holds particular significance as she would be the first woman singer in Karnataka to undertake such an extended continuous singing performance with Dasara Padas as the primary repertoire.
The focus on Dasara Padas gives the event a strong connection with Karnataka’s devotional music tradition. The compositions of the Dasara tradition have played an important role in the state’s musical and cultural heritage.
By presenting 250 newly composed and arranged Dasara Padas in a single continuous performance, the programme seeks to bring together traditional devotional music and a contemporary record-setting format.
Celebrating 25 years in music
Sangeetha Balachandra has completed 25 years in the field of music, and she described the marathon as one of the most significant milestones of her musical journey.
Her association with Akashvani as a top-grade artiste and her work as a playback singer have contributed to her musical career.
The 25-hour performance has been planned as a symbolic celebration of the quarter-century she has spent pursuing music. The title ‘Panchavimshati’, referring to 25, reflects both the duration of the marathon and the number of years she has completed in the field.
The record attempt is expected to bring together music enthusiasts, devotees and members of the public interested in witnessing an unusual musical performance.
Attempt aimed at Golden Book record
The organisers are seeking recognition for the marathon in the Golden Book of World Records.
The continuous presentation of 250 Dasara Padas over 25 hours will form the central feature of the record attempt. The event is expected to attract attention not only for its duration but also for its emphasis on devotional compositions.
The programme will begin early in the morning on August 23 and conclude the following morning, giving audiences an opportunity to witness different stages of the marathon.
With extensive musical preparation and two teams of accompanying artistes in place, the organisers are working towards completing the full 1,500-minute performance without interruption.