Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070450530200.htm

Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad

Guinness Record for Prasanna

Staff Correspondent

WINNER: Vocalist Prasanna Madhav Gudi with the Guinness World Records certificate.

DHARWAD: The record attempt by Hindustani vocalist Prasanna Madhav Gudi of Dharwad, who presented the longest concert lasting 26 hours and 12 minutes in December 2008, has been considered as a record by the Guinness World Records Limited.

Mr. Prasanna Gudi, son of Hindustani vocalist Madhav Gudi, told presspersons here on Thursday that he had received the certificate for the feat he completed on December 29, 2008.

An ecstatic Mr. Prasanna, accompanied by his family members, displayed the certificate proudly and attributed his achievement to hard work and constant support by family members and well-wishers.

On December 28, 2008, nonagenarian vocalist Gangubai Hangal had inaugurated the record attempt by Mr. Prasanna, which he had begun with a composition in Todi raga.

Mr. Prasanna had concluded his “swara mahayaag” with a composition in Bhairavi raga on December 29, with the audience giving a standing ovation for his feat.

As many as 12 artistes accompanied Mr. Prasanna in his attempt.

In between the Todi and the Bhairavi ragas, Mr. Prasanna sang compositions in various ragas, including Jeevanpuri, Goudasarang, Yaman Kalyani and Multani.

Apart from these, there were songs in Kannada and Hindi, Marathi abhangs and Dasara Padas. In accordance with the rules, Mr. Prasanna took a 15-minute break every three hours.

Subsequently, the organisers of the event, Kirana Sangeet Academy of Dharwad, submitted a complete recording of the concert to Guinness World Records Limited.