A musical melody reverberated through the "City of Tansen" Gwalior on December 25. It experienced a historic event with more than 1300 Tabla players performing a Tal Darbar, securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. This significant performance, set to the tune of Vande Mataram, echoed through the city and showcased the cultural and musical heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
To commemorate this remarkable achievement and honour all musicians, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who received the official Guinness World Records certificate, designated December 25 as "Tabla Day" in Madhya Pradesh.
The event paid tribute to the legendary musician Sangeet Samrat Tansen and celebrated MP's musical legacy. The rhythmic ensemble of 1300 Tablas echoed within the Gwalior Fort, creating an aura reminiscent of an Indra's Darbar.
At Tal Darbar, a symphony spanning multiple generations unfolded, featuring tabla players from diverse age groups. The participants ranged from experienced veterans to budding talents as young as four. This cross-generational ensemble effectively demonstrated the lasting legacy of musical fervour in Madhya Pradesh.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of MP Tourism and Culture, highlighted the distinctive nature of the darbar. He emphasised that having tabla players as young as four years old alongside seasoned veterans was unique. The simultaneous participation of three generations playing the tabla created a distinct rhythmic harmony, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation on Tansen's land in the city of Tansen.
The performance extended beyond playing Vande Mataram as the tabla players demonstrated their skill by incorporating the tune into intricate "Teen Talas." This integration with the melodies of harmonium, sitar, and sarangi showcased the dynamism and adaptability of Madhya Pradesh's musical landscape through a beautiful fusion of traditional instruments and rhythmic patterns.
The event demonstrated the significant impact of music in Sangeet Samrat Tansen's city, Gwalior. The rhythmic beats of the "Tal Darbar" captured the attention of dignitaries and guests and numerous music enthusiasts who witnessed this momentous occasion, Shukla said.