After Saturday, Canandaigua may be known for something that no place else in the world has done.
Canandaigua Rising in Unity, a free community celebration of connection, culture music and mindfulness scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, in Downtown Canandaigua, will culminate with an attempt at the world record for largest singing bowl ensemble.
A singing bowl is essentially an inverted bell, the playing of which is said to ease stress and encourage healing, meditation and mindfulness.
The largest singing bowl ensemble record is currently held by 375 participants in Gaya, India, who set the mark on April 26, 2025, according to Canandaigua event organizers.
Their goal, however, isn’t simply to set a record. It’s to bring people together in a spirit of unity, peace and shared experiences.
Who can take part in the singing bowl record attempt in Canandaigua?
Participation is open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. No prior singing bowl experience is necessary, and there is no purchase required to participate.
Those wishing to join the world record attempt must register, bring a singing bowl if they have one. Participants will be able to purchase one beforehand from participating downtown businesses while supplies last.
Then, check in before the event, and join hundreds of others as they sound their bowls continuously for five minutes beginning promptly at 4:44 p.m. Saturday.
Learn how to use a singing bowl in Canandaigua
Free singing bowl demonstrations and practice sessions will be offered at 10:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn simple techniques and build confidence before the official attempt. In addition to the singing bowl record attempt, numerous activities and events are scheduled at the Central on Main’s Rotary stage and Commons Park’s Maxion stage.
The Central on Main’s Rotary Stage
Here is what’s happening.
Carimbo Folkloric Dance with Claudia Shazadi, 10 a.m.
Singing bowl demonstration and practice, 10:30 a.m.
Community sound bath with Jennifer Marks Muscato of Equilibrium Wellness, 11 a.m.
Samba dance with Claudia Shazadi, noon
Singing dowl demonstration and practice, 12:30 p.m.
Witches of Waters Edge, 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Iroquois social dances with the George family, 2 p.m.
Bells of Bliss with Guy Yair Beider, 3 p.m.
Singing bowl demonstration and practice, 4 p.m.
Official singing bowl world record attempt, 4:44 p.m.
Live music with The Spheres, 6 to 8 p.m.
The Commons Park – Maxion Stage
Here is what’s happening.
Singing bowl demonstration and practice, 10:15 a.m.
Unity with the Breath with Elise Underhill, 10:30 a.m.
Intro to Energy Medicine with Brandie Kristle Furniss, 11:30 a.m.
Iroquois Smoke and Competition Dance demonstration, 12:30 p.m.
Amazing Mind Body Soul Center guided activation and sound alchemy journey, 1:30 p.m.
Singing bowl demonstration and practice, 2:15 p.m.
Qi Gong meditative movement experience with Amanda Butler, 2:30 p.m.
Heart-based music and poetry with John Terlazzo, 3:30 p.m.
Official singing bowl world record attempt, 4:44 p.m.
Registration remains open. For more information about performers, the complete schedule, or to register, visit www.DowntownCanandaigua.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua seeks to set singing bowl world record
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
