Indian children take part in setting a new world record for the largest drum ensemble
© AFPSHILLONG, India (AFP) - "A new Guinness World Record was created with 7,951 drummers performing for more than five minutes in perfect rhythm," Michael Whitty, the Guinness representative, announced after the event in Meghalaya's state capital Shillong.
The previous Guinness world record for the largest drum ensemble was set in February 2005 by Po Leung Kuk, a charity organisation in Hong Kong helping orphaned children, which assembled 7,727 drummers.
"We are delighted indeed to have been able to create history," M. Lansing, the vice chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum, told AFP.
The drummers played a 20-minute synchronized tune called "Positive Vibrations" composed by a local musician, Rudy Wallang, in an open stadium packed with more than 20,000 people.
The Guinness World Record representative later handed over a certificate to the organizers of the event for the new world record.
"I am very happy to be part of history," said drummer Paul Marbaniang.
Organizers of the event said they hoped the drumming session would change the perception of India's northeast, which is riven by insurgencies.
"This record-breaking drum ensemble has proved beyond doubt that this region is not just about killings and violence and we are capable of positive things as well," Mawkhroh said.
The northeast is home to about 30-odd separatist rebel groups with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.
The world record-setting drum ensemble also kicked off the states week-long Autumn Festival that includes events like water sports, kite flying, fishing and archery.
"The participants included professionals to school children and villagers. There were some 1,000 indigenous drums being played in the event alongside the normal small drums," the tourism development forum's general secretary, Aiban S. Mawkhroh, said.
©AFP