20-Year-Old Mangaluru Dancer Enters Golden Book with 170-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon
20-Year-Old Mangaluru Dancer Enters Golden Book with 170-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon
In a feat that stunned the nation and brought global recognition to India’s classical arts, 20-year-old Remona Evette Pereira, a final-year Bachelor of Arts student from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, has made history by performing Bharatanatyam non-stop for an unbelievable 170 hours over seven consecutive days.
Her performance, held from July 21 to July 28, 2025, was officially certified by the Golden Book of World Records — a first in the world for such an extended continuous display of the ancient Indian dance form. What began as a personal goal turned into a cultural celebration, with hundreds gathering to witness the young dancer’s unwavering dedication and passion.
Dancing under the open gaze of students, dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and everyday citizens, Remona’s performance transformed the university grounds into a week-long temple of art. The rhythm of her feet and the fluidity of her expressions held the audience spellbound — a testament to both her technical mastery and emotional depth. Despite having only 15-minute breaks every three hours, she maintained perfect poise, energy, and discipline throughout.
Christopher D’Souza, Director of the university’s Ranga Adhyayana Kendra, explained the rigid schedule, noting the limited rest and the immense endurance the dancer displayed. According to Dr. Manish Vishnoi, the India representative for the Golden Book of World Records, “She had officially qualified for the record after reaching the 120-hour mark,” but went on to complete a historic 170 hours — surpassing the previous record of 127 hours set just two years ago.
Remona’s dance wasn’t merely a performance — it was a spiritual and cultural offering. She began her marathon by paying homage to Lord Ganesha and ended it in devotion to Goddess Durga, weaving sacred symbolism throughout her movement. Her Guru, Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, called the act “a golden chapter in the legacy of Indian classical dance”, praising her student’s mental clarity and spiritual composure under intense pressure.
For the duration of her performance, the venue became a unifying space. Spectators ranged from college students to high-ranking officials including local ministers and the Deputy Commissioner, as well as religious figures like the Bishop of Mangalore. Their collective support turned Remona’s personal milestone into a shared celebration of art, harmony, and community strength.
Remona’s achievement wasn’t born overnight. With over 13 years of disciplined training under her Guru, she meticulously developed the strength, stamina, and storytelling ability that Bharatanatyam demands. In the months leading up to the attempt, she intensified her practice, dancing five to six hours daily to build up the endurance required for this herculean task.
Her mother, Gladis Pereira, stood as her pillar of strength throughout, alongside a circle of close friends and volunteers who managed everything from logistics to morale. The university administration, led by Vice-Chancellor Fr. Praveen Martis, also played a crucial role, arranging medical support and rest spaces while cheering her on. Fr. Martis fondly recalled how Remona first shared her dream with him, saying her record now stands as “170 hours of sheer resilience and grace under pressure.”
While Bharatanatyam is her forte, Remona’s talent isn’t confined to classical forms alone. She is also accomplished in semi-classical, Western, and contemporary dance styles, having previously earned recognition from platforms like the India Book of Records and the Golden Book of Records, London. Her latest feat, however, cements her place as one of the most dedicated young torchbearers of Indian classical dance today.
More than a personal victory or a broken record, Remona’s performance stands as a symbol of what is possible when passion, preparation, and community come together. In a world where traditional art forms often struggle for visibility, her story is a powerful reminder that cultural legacy can thrive when nurtured with love and discipline.
The show of unity — with both Hindu and Christian leaders offering blessings and support — added another layer of meaning, demonstrating that the arts have the power to bridge divides and bring people together. In a deeply divided world, such gestures send out a hopeful message of harmony.
Remona’s journey is not just about breaking a record; it’s about setting a new standard for devotion to art. Her story will undoubtedly inspire countless young dancers to dream big — and dance even bigger.
