Darjeeling guitar ensemble bids adieu to WC-22

SNS, SILIGUR1, 18 DECEMBER 2022 : It was a spectacle to behold at Darjeeling's popular promenade Chowrasta today. The old and the young, boys and girls all held a guitar each and sang two popular numbers - one a Nepali song 'Musu musu haasi deu', and the other Bob Nlarley's 'One love.' 

The ensemble was a bid to set a new record for the highest number of people

It was a spectacle to behold   The ensemble was a hid to set a new record for the highest number of people playing the stringed instrument at one time. Organisers said the event was also to bid the FIFA World Cup-2022 a farewell.

Edwards Foundation and Gaushala Youth Club of Darjeeling had declared Darjeeling a World Cup Town, which celebrated the biggest sporting event in the world.

"The record for the highest number of people playing the guitar at a time has been set by New Zealand with 6000 players. We had thought of roping in 6500, but as it was a short notice, we may not have that many participants," said musician Pragya Lama and a member of the organising team.

Today's event was jointly organised by the grassroots Revival Project, Edwards Foundation and Siddhant Memorial Trust. 

"Apart from musicians, Darjeeling is well known for footballers too. Almost all houses have their team's flags during the World Cup," Mr Lama said before the start of the event, where popular local singers like Yankee Yolmo and the Moraki band, and cultural dance artists also performed. 

Among the guitar players were Darjeeling Municipality Chairman Ritesh Portel, Vice-chairperson Yangzi Sherpa and Hamro Party President Ajoy Edwards. 

According to the organisers, they had tried to set such a guitar Guinness record during the Tea and Tourism Festival in Darjeeling in 2013. 

According to the organisors, they had received registrations from guitar players from places like Gangtok in Sikkim, Kalimpong, Kurscong, Mirik and Darjeeling.