Diksha Ramakrishna Sets World Record in Six-Hour Gana–Nartana Performance

Diksha Ramakrishna Sets World Record in Six-Hour Gana–Nartana Performance

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jan 4, 2025: Classical artiste Diksha Ramakrishna (31) created a new world record by singing and dancing continuously for 6 hours and 13 minutes through Purandara Gana Nartana on Saturday. The achievement was accomplished at the newly inaugurated Ravindra Mantapa of MGM College, under the aegis of the Manipal Hejje Gejje Foundation.

Diksha commenced her performance at 8.58 am, presenting “Gaja Vadana Beduve”, a composition by Purandara Dasa, and sustained uninterrupted gaana, nartana and abhinaya throughout the duration. Her performance earned her a place in the Golden Book of World Records.

She was accompanied by Vidushi Vijeta Hegde Keremane on the tabla and Vidwan Satish Bhat Heggar on the harmonium. In the evening, Dr Manish Bishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, presented Diksha with a provisional certificate, medal and insignia.

Expressing her gratitude, Diksha Ramakrishna said the record was a humble offering to Sri Purandara Dasaru and dedicated the achievement to her gurus, students, the Hejje Gejje Foundation, and all those who supported the vision of integrating gaana and nartana. She said the journey demanded discipline, devotion and collective effort, and hoped the feat would inspire the younger generation to pursue classical arts while remaining rooted in tradition.

Among those present were Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, MGM College Vice-Principal Dr M Vishwanath Shenai, Shibaruru Vedavyasa Tantri, Diwan of Palimaru Math, Vidwan Madhura P Balasubrahmanyam, Vidwan Raghavendra Acharya, Manipal, Karnataka Head of the Golden Book of World Records Dr Bharat Kamath, and Diksha’s husband Dr Sharan Basava Ballari.

Dr Ramakrishna Hegde welcomed the gathering, Yasha Ramakrishna delivered the introductory remarks, Avinash Kamath compered the programme, and Diksha Ramakrishna proposed the vote of thanks.