Udupi: A unique 25-hour non-stop Dasarapada singing marathon titled ‘Panchavimshati’ will be held at Geetha Mandira, Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, on August 23 and 24. Renowned vocalist Vidhushi Sangeetha Balachandra will undertake the continuous solo performance featuring 250 distinct Dasarapadas as part of an attempt to enter the Golden Book of World Records.

The programme is being presented by BHIMA with the blessings of His Holiness Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puthige Matha, Udupi. The marathon will begin at 6.30 am on August 23 and continue for approximately 25 hours before concluding on August 24.

250 Dasarapadas to feature

The ambitious musical programme will feature 250 Dasarapadas, with freshly composed tunes prepared especially for the event.

The organisers said the performance will showcase the devotional and philosophical works of revered Haridasas, including Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa and Vijaya Dasa.

Unlike a conventional concert, the marathon has been designed as a continuous musical and spiritual presentation, with the vocalist taking up the demanding task of performing for around 25 hours.

The organisers said the performance will be presented without lyrical repetition, making the event a significant test of musical preparation, memory, concentration and endurance.

Celebrating Karnataka’s Haridasa tradition

‘Panchavimshati’ aims to celebrate and preserve the literary, musical and spiritual heritage of Karnataka’s Haridasa tradition.

Dasarapadas have played a significant role in Karnataka’s cultural history. Through devotional compositions, the Haridasa tradition has combined music with philosophical ideas and spiritual teachings, making the compositions accessible to generations of listeners.

The marathon seeks to bring this tradition to the forefront through a large-scale live performance featuring newly composed musical arrangements.

By presenting 250 different compositions in a single continuous programme, the organisers hope to create a memorable cultural experience for devotees, music enthusiasts and members of the public.

Musical endurance at the centre

The 25-hour duration is expected to be one of the most challenging aspects of the programme. Sangeetha Balachandra will undertake the solo vocal performance continuously, while a team of musicians will provide instrumental accompaniment in shifts.

The combination of a lengthy performance, a large repertoire and the requirement to avoid lyrical repetition is intended to demonstrate both artistic skill and endurance.

The programme has also been conceived as a confluence of devotion, musical artistry and human perseverance.

Experienced musicians to accompany singer

A team of experienced musicians will support Sangeetha Balachandra throughout the marathon.

Gururaj and Razak Karivellur will play the keyboards, while Prabhakar Ammangod and Vaman K will handle rhythm pads. Veekshith Kodancha and Deepak Raj Ullal will perform on tabla, while Santhosh Vitla will provide flute accompaniment.

The musicians will perform in shifts to ensure continuous instrumental support throughout the approximately 25-hour programme.

Their role will be particularly important in maintaining the musical flow and supporting the vocalist during the extended performance.

About Sangeetha Balachandra

Vidhushi Sangeetha Balachandra is a playback and light-music singer as well as an A-grade Akashvani artist. She has undergone extensive training in Carnatic classical music and has performed at numerous concerts and cultural programmes.

She has also recorded music in several languages and has been associated with various musical, dance and theatre productions.

Among her recognitions is the Best Female Playback Singer Award at the Red FM Tulu Film Awards. Over the course of her career, she has shared the stage with several eminent artistes and participated in major musical and cultural events.

Her experience across different musical formats is expected to contribute to the ambitious Dasarapada marathon.

Distinguished personalities to attend

The programme will be inaugurated in the presence of several distinguished personalities.

Those scheduled to be associated with the inauguration include Udupi MLA Yashpal A Suvarna; Vishnu Sharan Bhat, Managing Director of Bhima Gold Pvt Ltd; Vitob Shetty of Mumbai; Nagaraj Acharya of Sri Puthige Matha, Udupi; K Vedavyasa Puranik, Sanskrit scholar at Sri Puthige Suguna School; and Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records.

The presence of representatives from the Golden Book of World Records is significant as the event is being organised with the objective of attempting to enter the record book.

Open invitation to public

The organisers have invited music lovers, devotees and members of the public to attend the programme and witness the marathon.

The event will be held at the Sri Puthige Nrusimha Auditorium, Geetha Mandira, near Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi. Entry is open to the public.

With its combination of devotional music, newly composed tunes and an extended live performance, the event is expected to attract both devotees and music enthusiasts.

Event details

Event: Panchavimshati – 25-Hour Dasarapada Singing Marathon
Singer: Vidhushi Sangeetha Balachandra
Date: August 23–24
Time: 6.30 am onwards
Venue: Sri Puthige Nrusimha Auditorium, Geetha Mandira, near Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi
Record attempt: Golden Book of World Records
Entry: Open to all

The ‘Panchavimshati’ marathon is set to combine Karnataka’s rich devotional music heritage with an ambitious endurance-based performance. If completed as planned, the 25-hour presentation of 250 Dasarapadas will offer audiences an extensive celebration of the Haridasa tradition while marking a notable milestone in Udupi’s cultural calendar.