The 2024 edition of Tansen Sangeet Samaroh in Gwalior marked a historic occasion with achievement of a Guinness World Record for largest ensemble performance of Hindustani classical music. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the festival and congratulated the Hindustani Classical Band artists for their remarkable achievement. The event featured 546 artists performing on eight classical instruments violin, harmonium, sarangi, flute, sarod, santoor, shehnai, and tabla, creating an awe-inspiring performance that was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. In his address, Dr Yadav emphasised cultural significance of Tansen Sangeet Samaroh as a medium to revive ancient and rich musical heritage of India. He highlighted the important role played by legendary figures like Sangeet Samrat Tansen, Maharani Lakshmi Bai, Mahadji Scindia, Late Rajmata Scindia, and Jain Tirthankaras in preserving the musical traditions of the country.

 

The Chief Minister remarked that the world record achieved at this event was a tribute to these stalwarts of Indian music, and it also showcased India’s strong musical roots to the world. Dr Yadav noted that Gwalior, the city that hosted the event, is historically significant as the Sadhana Sthal of Tansen, the revered maestro of Indian classical music. Gwalior is also considered the birthplace of Khayal singing. He praised the efforts of the rulers, from Raja Mansingh Tomar to the Scindia dynasty, for their contributions to preserving and nurturing the music legacy of the region. The Chief Minister also spoke about the universal nature of Indian classical music, explaining that no musical instrument, no matter where it comes from, is excluded from classical compositions. He referenced the teachings of Maharishi Patanjali, who spoke about the deep connection between music and life. Dr Yadav added that music has a universal presence in the world, and the practice of Indian classical music connects individuals with the divine and with nature. In a tribute to Tansen, the world record performance featured 536 artists from across India and Madhya Pradesh, who performed together for 9 minutes.

 

The performance included pieces in three ragas — Malhar, Miyan ki Todi, and Darbari Kanhra — and was coordinated by the renowned flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar. The event was a testament to the enduring influence of Tansen’s legacy in shaping the evolution of Indian classical music. The inauguration was attended by several prominent leaders, including Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, and Gwalior in-charge Minister Tulsiram Silawat. Other key officials, music lovers, and dignitaries also participated in the event. Tansen Sangeet Samaroha 2024 built on the success of last year’s “Taal Darbar” performance, which set another Guinness World Record by featuring over 1500 musicians performing “Vande Mataram” in Gwalior, further solidifying Madhya Pradesh’s place on the global cultural map.