Most singers in an Indian folk music performance

The most singers in an Indian folk music performance is 2,500 and was achieved by Manish Mishra and Pahal Social Welfare and Educational Society (both India) in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, India on 25 May 2026.

The record was attempted by Mr. Manish Mishra, the chairman of Pahal Social Welfare and Educational Society. Mr. Mishra is a social worker connected with social organizations and public service. He is a philanthropist and is fondly addressed by people as “Son of Basti”. The event was held in a bid to bring Basti into mainstream news and place it on the international map.

A particular kind of folk song called Sohar was performed by women who had travelled many kilometres on foot and local buses to participate in the attempt. Sohar is a traditional North Indian folk music from sung to celebrate the birth of a child, especially in regions like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. These songs are usually sung by groups of women during childbirth related ceremonies and early celebrations after the baby’s birth. The lyrics express joy and blessings for the newborn.