Sat May 10 11:49:39 UTC 2025: ## Over 1,300 Voices Unite in Shivamogga to Celebrate Basavanna’s Vachanas
**SHIVAMOGGA, INDIA (May 10, 2025)** – A record-breaking performance of Basavanna’s vachanas (philosophical poems) took place in Shivamogga on Friday evening, as over 1,300 people from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate Basava Jayanti. The event, held at Allama Prabhu Park, saw participants – ranging from students and senior citizens to private sector employees and homemakers – present 38 of the 12th-century social reformer’s vachanas.
Organised by the Basava Jayanthi celebrations committee under the guidance of religious leaders Mallikarjun Murugharajendra Swamy and Basava Marulasidda Swamy, the event exceeded initial expectations. While organizers initially aimed for 1,000 participants, the overwhelming response saw more than 1,300 volunteers participate after training sessions led by renowned singers. The performance featured a specially constructed stage and incorporated musical arrangements by noted singer C. Ashwath. Before each vachana, Basava Marulasidda Swamy highlighted its significance.
MLC Dhananjay Sarji, treasurer of the organizing committee, hailed the event as a record-breaking achievement, emphasizing the unprecedented number of people participating in such a presentation. The event also included a special lecture on the vachanas by Avinash Kavi and was attended by several local dignitaries, including Shivamogga Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra and several legislators. The overwhelming success of the event underscores the continuing relevance and widespread appeal of Basavanna’s teachings.
First Piper 