Sathiaseelan (right) receiving his certificate

Following their success of achieving the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for 32 hours of non-stop bhajan and playing of the tabla organized by the Penang Tabla Society (PTS), participants and volunteers for the event were hosted to a hi-tea session.

The thanks giving ceremony was held at the Ramakrishna Ashram along Scotland Road.

Some 400 guests gathered for the gathering.

Present were organising chairman R. Sathiaseelan, festival director Master Shakkteevel and their committee. Also present was housing developer and businessman Dato Rethinam Pillay along with other supporters.

Participants were presented with certificates of appreciation and later hosted to some fine food and drinks.

Dubbed the “Festival of Taal 2023”, some 21 groups consisting of 10-15 people per group managed to achieve the record performance last month.

Participants as young as six years-old to 62-years took part. Even participants from the Chinese community took part in the marathon session.

Dato Rethinam presenting awards to participants

The PTS have been promoting the performing arts of tabla and other classical Indian music by organizing classes, music events and music festivals.

Meanwhile, the Penang Tabla Society in 2015, 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.