Media Release
Udupi, Aug 13: A unique 25-hour non-stop Dasarapada singing marathon, titled 'Panchavimshati', will be held at the Geetha Mandira, Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, on August 23 and 24. The ambitious musical and spiritual event features renowned vocalist Vidhushi Sangeetha Balachandra, who will undertake a continuous 25-hour solo Dasarapada singing performance as 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 is scheduled to begin at 6:30 am on August 23 and continue for approximately 25 hours, concluding on August 24. The performance will feature 250 distinct Dasarapadas, with freshly composed tunes created especially for the occasion.
A celebration of Dasarapada tradition
The event aims to celebrate and preserve the rich literary, musical and spiritual heritage of Karnataka’s Haridasa tradition. Dasarapadas, known for their devotional depth and philosophical messages, have played an important role in Karnataka’s cultural and musical history.
According to the organisers, the marathon will bring together 250 newly composed musical renditions, presenting the works of revered Haridasas including Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa and Vijaya Dasa.
The organisers describe the programme as a confluence of devotion, musical artistry and human endurance, with the vocalist undertaking the challenging performance without lyrical repetition.
Accompanying team of musicians
A team of experienced musicians will support Sangeetha Balachandra throughout the marathon. The accompanying artists include Gururaj and Razak Karivellur on keyboards, Prabhakar Ammangod and Vaman K on rhythm pads, Veekshith Kodancha and Deepak Raj Ullal on tabla, and Santhosh Vitla on flute.
The musicians will perform in shifts to provide continuous instrumental support during the marathon.
About Sangeetha Balachandra
Vidhushi Sangeetha Balachandra is a playback and light-music singer and an A-grade Akashvani artist, with extensive training in Carnatic classical music. She has performed in numerous concerts and recorded music in several languages.
She has received recognition including the Best Female Playback Singer Award at the Red FM Tulu Film Awards and has been associated with several major musical and cultural programmes. She has also shared the stage with eminent artistes and has performed for music, dance and theatre productions.
Inauguration
The programme will be inaugurated in the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Yashpal A Suvarna, MLA, Udupi; Vishnu Sharan Bhat, MD, Bhima Gold Pvt Ltd; Vitob Shetty, Mumbai; Nagaraj Acharya, Sri Puthige Math, Udupi; K Vedavyasa Puranik, Sanskrit Scholar, Sri Puthige Suguna School; and Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia head, Golden Book of World Records.
The organisers are inviting music lovers, devotees and members of the public to witness this extraordinary musical endeavour.
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