Guinness World Records: A Celebration of Culture & Harmony
At The Art of Living, fostering interfaith and cultural unity has always been a guiding principle. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar champions the celebration of diversity, and what better way to honor this than through the universal language of music and dance?
From the enchanting bagpipes of Scotland to the soulful melodies of the sitar, music has the power to unite people beyond borders. The Art of Living has brought together artists and audiences in such extraordinary numbers that they have earned prestigious Guinness World Records!
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Cultural Events
Here are some of The Art of Living’s historic Guinness World Record achievements, where art, culture, and devotion converged on a grand scale:
🎶 Musical & Dance Achievements
1️⃣ 9th January 2013 – Blowing for Peace🎺 Largest Horn Ensemble – 444 musicians played the Indian Kombu (Sringa) in Kollam, Kerala, India, for 25 minutes.
2️⃣ 16th May 2012 – The Bulgarian Bagpipes🎵 Largest Bagpipe Ensemble – 333 participants performed at the National Palace of Culture, Sofia, Bulgaria.
3️⃣ 17th January 2012 – Taal Ninaad🥁 Largest Hand Drum Ensemble – 1,230 tabla players synchronized their beats in Solapur, India.
4️⃣ 21st February 2011 – Abhanga Naad🥁 Largest Dhol Drum Ensemble – 1,356 participants performed at Shivaji University Ground, Kolhapur, India (23 minutes).
5️⃣ 12th February 2011 – Naatya Vismayam🎭 Largest Kathakali Dance – 150 performers staged a mesmerizing show in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (2 performances, ~20 minutes each).
6️⃣ 30th January 2011 – Naada Vaibhavam🎶 Largest Choir – 121,440 singers performed in Perungalathur, Chennai, India.
7️⃣ 11th November 2010 – Mehran De Rang🕺 Largest Bhangra Dance – 2,100 participants set the stage on fire at Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana (~15 minutes).
8️⃣ 28th November 2006 – Mohiniyattam💃 Most People Performing Mohiniyattam – 1,200 dancers showcased this classical Indian dance in Cochin, Kerala (~12 minutes).
🌟 Cultural & Devotional Achievements
9️⃣ 13th November 2012 – Candles for Peace & Harmony🕯 Most Candles Lit Simultaneously – 12,135 candles illuminated Ahmedabad, India, on Diwali.
🔟 2nd November 2010 – Annam Brahma🥗 Largest Vegetarian Buffet – 5,612 different dishes were served at Sri Sri Dham, Ahmedabad, India.
1️⃣1️⃣ 12th January 2010 – Antarnaad🎤 Largest Simultaneous Sing-Along – 104,637 voices sang Vande Mataram in Pune, India (5+ minutes).
1️⃣2️⃣ 21st November 2008 – Brahm Naad🎸 Largest Sitar Ensemble – 1,094 sitarists performed in Noida, Delhi (3 symphonies, ~7 minutes each).
These monumental achievements showcase The Art of Living’s unwavering commitment to spreading peace, unity, and cultural harmony through art and music. With 12 Guinness World Records and counting, the journey continues to inspire millions worldwide!
Annam Brahma
Annam Brahma: Largest food festival Gujarat, (Ahmedabad), Nov. 2, 2010: 5,600 vegetarian Indian items prepared by devotees from across Gujarat were presented at the ANNAM BRAHMA, a unique event of celebration and contribution on the auspicious occasion of Diwali by The Art of Living.
The event was an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for its vastness of variety and quantity offered at one platform. The food was shared with underprivileged children as Bal Bhoj and was prepared by devotees from Ahmedabad, Kalol, Surat, Dholka, Nadiad, Dahod, Kalol and Ankleshwar.
At the satsang that followed, devotees participated with much enthusiasm and devotion. Gracing the occasion, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said: “Food, tourism, clothing, music and dance, yoga and spirituality, Ayurveda and Information technology are the seven unique fields that India can showcase to the world.” Speaking about vegetarian food, Gurudev said: “Even if 10 percent of the world’s population turned vegetarian, the problem of global warming can be considerably reduced.”About 1 lakh people attended the event. Chief Minister Narendra Modi who was also present among other prominent dignitaries.The food event was part of a string of events The Art of Living Foundation has organized in the past to foster and promote cultural heritage of India.
AbhangaNaad 2011: The Voice of Devotion
In a mesmerizing celebration of divine love, 2001 Warkaris (devotees of Lord Vithoba) sang in unison, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of 1008 Dhols, in the presence of His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This grand musical offering reflected the profound path of devotion, which stands as the supreme means to attain the Divine in today’s time.
Abhangas, deeply rooted in devotion, are soul-stirring compositions set in simple yet profound verses. They serve as a guide for seekers on their inward journey toward the source of all existence. As Gurudev beautifully puts it, “Praising is a divine quality. It uplifts the consciousness of both the one who is being praised and the one who is praising.” These sacred songs, sung in honor of Lord Vithoba, embody pure love, gratitude, and unwavering faith.
At a time when rituals and religious formalities overshadowed true spirituality, Abhangas uplifted society by reinstating human values and fostering a deep spiritual connection. They transcended barriers of caste, creed, and social status, uniting people in the recognition of divinity within one another. These timeless verses were composed by revered 17th-century saints, Namdev and Tukaram, whose legacy continues to inspire hearts even today.
The Art of Living carries forward this spirit of unity and peace, spreading the message of love beyond faiths and borders. AbhangaNaad is a tribute to this vision of a one-world family, celebrating harmony through the universal language of devotion. Adding to the grandeur of the event, renowned Indian musician Shankar Mahadevan will lend his soulful voice, making this divine gathering even more memorable.
Most People Performing a Mohiniyattam Dance
The record for the was set with 1,200 dancers at a spectacular performance held on November 28, 2006, as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living Foundation at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Cochin, Kerala, India.
Dancing together for the first time, the performers captivated an audience of over 100,000 people, gracefully portraying the feminine moods and emotions that define Mohiniyattam. This breathtaking display of artistry and devotion earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records, marking a historic moment in the world of classical dance.
Anatarnaad 2010
Musical symphony, Pune, India, Jan. 12: The Art of Living hosted a historic symphony – Antarnaad – bringing over 2750 Indian classical vocalists together on one platform, to write a new chapter in the history of music. It has been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of people singing Vande Mataram, India’s national song. Conceived by Gurudev, the aim of Antarnaad was to showcase the vast repertoire of Hindustani classical music as well as to provide a platform for the exponents of this ancient Indian art. Stating that classical music and spirituality are among the most definitive and unique offerings India can make to the world, Gurudev said, “Spirituality and music together can uplift people, get them out of depression and help them start a new life with enthusiasm. For a stress-free life, you have to embrace both these facets (spirituality and music).” Musicians from across the country, celebrity singers like Shankar Mahadevan and renowned names like Pt Rajan & Sajan Misra were also part of this event. The singers enthralled a live audience of over 2 lakh people.
333 Bulgarian Bagpipers Revive Tradition with World Record
Bulgarian musicians have outshone their Scottish counterparts by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest bagpipe ensemble.
On Wednesday evening, 333 Bulgarian folk musicians gathered in the heart of Sofia, filling the air with the deep, resonant sound of the kaba-gaida, a traditional bagpipe from the Rhodope Mountains in southern Bulgaria. Dressed in vibrant Rhodope folk attire, the bagpipers began their performance with the iconic folk song Delyu Haidutin—a melody immortalized on NASA’s Voyager Golden Record in 1977 as a representation of Earth’s musical heritage.
This historic event marks a powerful revival of Bulgarian bagpipe traditions, celebrating the country’s rich cultural legacy on a global stage.
‘Taal Ninaad’ – The Echo of Rhythm,
The historic concert, brought together an awe-inspiring ensemble of 1,230 tabla players and 318 pakhwaj artists, harmonizing with the melodic strains of the sarangi and flute. This grand symphony resonated with the 150,000-strong audience, uniting their hearts to a single rhythm.
Organized to mark the visit of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Solapur, this event held deep significance. Recalling the city’s special connection to The Art of Living, Gurudev shared a pivotal moment from its inception: “Thirty years ago, I stood at Hubli railway station, uncertain about founding The Art of Living. I had two choices—travel to Solapur or Bangalore. Choosing Solapur led to the birth of The Art of Living, which has now touched lives in 150 countries.”
Taal Ninaad has now set its sights on the Guinness Book of World Records, surpassing the previous record of 349 tabla players performing for 49 minutes in Ahmedabad. With ten official Guinness representatives documenting this monumental feat, this marks the eighth world record for The Art of Living, further solidifying its legacy of uniting people through music, meditation, and celebration.