Gujarat’s Dhari breaks own classical singing record

GANDHINAGAR - Dhari Panchamda broke her own world record of 82 hours for classical singing by crooning for 99 hours 99 minutes and 99 seconds at the Swarnim Tana-Riri festival 2010 in Gujarat’s ancient city of Vadnagar, an official release said here Tuesday.

The release also said that Chief Minister Narendra Modi greeted Dhari on achieving the feat Monday.

Meanwhile, noted singers Lata and Usha Mangeshkar received in absentia the first ‘Tana-Riri’ award, instituted by the Gujarat government in the memory of the two sisters, Tana and Riri, hailing from Vadnagar in north Gujarat. Legend has it that Tana and Riri had laid down their lives, maintaining the traditions of singing only before village deity.

The chief minister expressed satisfaction that by accepting the honour, Lataji and Ushaji had added an element of glory to the festival. The award carried a cash purse of Rs.5 lakh.

The festival, which has its own standing in classical music, offers a rich glimpse of Indian classical music’s repertoire.

Dhari Panchamda was also honoured with a shawl.