By V. Sivaji
The Penang Tabla Society (PTS) achieved a milestone when they received the Malaysian Book of Records (MBR) feat for 32 hours of non-stop bhajan and playing of the tabla.
Dubbed the “Festival of Taal 2023”, some 21 groups consisting of 10-15 people per group managed to achieve the record performing from 10am on Feb 18 till 6pm on Feb 19, 2023.
Participants in the performance ranged from six years-old to 62-years. Even participants from the Chinese community took part in the marathon session.
The gathering was held in conjunction with the Maha Sivaratthri celebrations at the Penang Thanneermalai Sree Balathandayuthapani Temple compound.
Lending support was State Exco for Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning YB Jagdeep Singh Deo. He also signed the MBR certificate at a brief press conference at the session.
“I wish to congratulate the organising committee and all of the participants for achieving this commendable feat.
“The Penang State government supports such events and I am happy to be here for this record breaking occasion,” said Jagdeep during his visit to the site and press conference.
Jagdeep also took time to mingle with the audience and other officials at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, organising chairman R. Sathiaseelan said that the success of the MBR record is also due to the support of the sponsors and well-wishers.
“We have managed to gather most of the bhajan groups in Penang to come together for this gathering. Today, there were some tabla players 80 and 300 bhajan and other musicians. Planning for this event started some six months ago,” said Sathiaseelan who is also a tabla player.
The PTS have been promoting the performing arts of tabla and other classical Indian music by organizing classes, music events and music festivals.
Meanwhile, back in 2015, the Penang Tabla Society hosted the “Largest & Longest Tabla” playing event at the Fort Cornwallis in conjunction with the Georgetown Festival then.
The colourful event also made it into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) back then.
The Penang Tabla Society is led by its chairman R, Sathiaseelan and assisted by Master Shakkteevel (Festival director).
