Udupi: Renowned singer, Akashvani top-grade artiste and playback singer Vidushi Sangeetha Balachandra has created a significant milestone in devotional music by completing a 25-hour solo Dasarapada singing marathon in Udupi and earning a place in the Golden Book of World Records.
Titled ‘Panchavimshati’, the marathon saw Sangeetha Balachandra sing 250 Dasarapadas continuously for 25 hours. The record attempt began at 6.30 am on August 23 at Sri Puttige Narasimha Auditorium, Geetha Mandir, and concluded at 7.40 am on August 24.
The event, sponsored by Bhima Jewellers, was witnessed by several dignitaries, including Adamaru Math Swamiji Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji.
250 Dasarapadas in 25 hours
The uniqueness of the record attempt lay in its exclusive focus on Dasa Sahitya, the devotional compositions of the Haridasas.
For 25 hours, Sangeetha Balachandra presented one Dasarapada after another in a continuous musical offering. The performance transformed the record attempt into an extended period of Harinama Smarana, with devotional compositions dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna forming the central theme.
The singer maintained the marathon performance throughout the night and into the following morning, completing all 250 compositions as planned.
The achievement not only tested her vocal endurance but also highlighted the richness of Dasa Sahitya and its continuing relevance in devotional and classical music traditions.
Accomplished musicians provide support
The marathon was supported by a team of accomplished musicians who accompanied Sangeetha Balachandra throughout the 25-hour performance.
Gururaj, Mogi Gururaj and Rajya Karivellur played the keyboard, while Prabhakar Ammingod and Vamana K accompanied the singer on rhythm pad.
Deekshith Kodancha and Deepak Raj Ullasu played the tabla, while Santhosh Vittal provided flute accompaniment.
Their continuous musical support helped sustain the performance and added depth to the devotional presentation.
The contribution of the accompanying artistes was also recognised during the felicitation ceremony following the completion of the marathon.
Golden Book of World Records recognition
The achievement was formally certified by Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records.
Following the completion of the stipulated 25-hour performance, Dr Vishnoi announced that the record attempt had been successfully completed and presented the official recognition to Sangeetha Balachandra.
He congratulated the singer for undertaking such an extensive devotional music performance and said the achievement had brought further recognition to Udupi as a spiritual centre.
Dr Vishnoi also praised the musicians who accompanied the singer, observing that a performance of such magnitude would not have been possible without their support.
He said the energy displayed by Sangeetha Balachandra even after 25 hours of singing reflected the spiritual atmosphere of the venue.
‘Geetha Gangothri’ title conferred
At a ceremony held after the marathon, Adamaru Math Swamiji Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji conferred the special title ‘Geetha Gangothri’ on Sangeetha Balachandra.
The title was suggested by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puttige Matha.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji said the 250 Dasarapadas performed during the marathon had given fresh recognition to the compositions of the Dasas.
He said the large body of devotional compositions created by the Haridasas had acquired renewed significance through the marathon performance.
The Swamiji also praised Sangeetha Balachandra’s devotion and dedication, saying that by presenting Krishna bhajans for 25 hours, she had offered herself in devotion to Lord Sri Krishna.
He expressed the hope that the record would not be broken by another artiste and suggested that Sangeetha herself could surpass the achievement in the future by undertaking a 50-hour singing marathon.
Parents and artistes felicitated
Sangeetha Balachandra was specially felicitated following the successful completion of the record attempt. She was presented with a shawl, crown and garland.
Her parents, Geetha Puranik and Sri Vedavyasa Puranik, were also honoured and received the blessings of the Swamiji.
The accompanying musicians who supported the singer throughout the marathon were likewise felicitated with shawls.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries associated with Sri Puttige Matha and the cultural and spiritual circles of Udupi.
Among those present were Nagaraj Acharya, diwan of Sri Puttige Matha, and Prasanna Acharya, international secretary of the Matha. Vijaya Nagaraj Acharya and Lakshmi Prasanna Acharya also participated in the felicitation.
Milestone for devotional music
The completion of ‘Panchavimshati’ marks a notable achievement in the field of devotional music. By dedicating the entire 25-hour performance to Dasa Sahitya, Sangeetha Balachandra brought hundreds of devotional compositions to the audience in an uninterrupted musical presentation.
The marathon also highlighted the enduring cultural importance of the Haridasa tradition and its devotional compositions.
The recognition from the Golden Book of World Records has added another dimension to the achievement, while the title ‘Geetha Gangothri’ bestowed by the Adamaru Math Swamiji has further honoured the singer’s contribution.
The successful completion of the marathon has also brought attention to Udupi’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The event combined devotional music, endurance and traditional Dasa Sahitya in an achievement that is expected to remain a memorable milestone in the region’s cultural calendar.