Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India has once again entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest guitar ensemble in 2007 after its successful entry for the largest drum ensemble in 2006. A record number of 1730 guitarists strummed persistently for five minutes to Bob Dylan’s classic "Knocking on Heaven’s door". They broke the previous record set by 1721 guitarists from Kansas City, USA who strummed Deep Purple’s "Smoke on the water" in September 2006.
Even though none of the representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records was present, State Director General of Police (DGP) BK Dey Sawian and Dr Lapynshai Syiem, NEHU (North Eastern Hill University) music lecturer were the adjudicators as per the laid norms of the Guinness Record book.
The guitarists of all ages and skills strummed in unison to perform the classic composition of Bob Dylan to start a month-long Autumn Festival in state capital Shillong.
State authorities said they were trying to promote India's north- eastern region through such events. 'We are trying to promote the region through music ... last year it was the drum circle and this time it was the guitar ensemble and maybe next year something different,' state education minister RG Lyngdoh told to reporters.
