BJP folk artists attempt 75-hour drum marathon in Tirupati

Thousands of folk musicians gathered in Tirupati on Tuesday to commence an ambitious 75-hour non-stop drumming marathon, combining cultural celebration with a bid for international recognition. The initiative, spearheaded by BJP-affiliated cultural organisations, brings together approximately 2,000 traditional artistes performing on 'Dappu', a traditional drum form native to South India.

The percussion event serves a dual purpose, marking the Prime Minister's 75th birthday while simultaneously attempting to establish a Guinness World Record. Organisers coordinated the performance to coincide with the BJP's broader 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', a month-long campaign focusing on community service and national pride initiatives.

The marathon performance showcases regional musical traditions while demonstrating organised mobilisation of folk artists across the southern state. The continuous nature of the event requires coordination among multiple groups of musicians, with participants rotating to maintain the non-stop drumming schedule across the three-day period.

Tirupati, home to one of India's most significant Hindu temples, provided the venue for what organisers position as both a cultural preservation exercise and a record-breaking endeavour. The event reflects ongoing efforts by the ruling party to blend traditional arts with contemporary national celebrations and development narratives.