Girl from Mangalore Creates World Record with 170-Hour Bharatanatyam Performance

In a historic achievement blending faith, culture, and endurance, Remona Evette Pereira, a 20-year-old Catholic student from Mangalore, has entered the Golden Book of World Records by performing Bharatanatyam, the ancient Indian classical dance form, continuously for 170 hours. Her extraordinary feat, accomplished between July 21 and July 28, 2025, has set a new benchmark in the world of performing arts.

The Record-Breaking Performance

Dancing for Seven Days

Remona, a student of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, danced tirelessly for seven consecutive days, completing an unprecedented 10,200 minutes of Bharatanatyam. The performance concluded on July 28, 2025, breaking the previous record of 127 hours set in 2023 by 16-year-old Sudhir Jagpath.

A Moment of Celebration

As the final hour approached, the campus of St. Aloysius University was filled with cheers from students, teachers, parents, and well-wishers. At the closing ceremony, Dr. Manish Vishnoei, Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records, officially recognized her achievement, calling it “unimaginable” and praising her for her endurance and determination.

A Tribute to Tradition and Faith

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Jesuit priest and Vice Chancellor Fr. Praveen Martis, who supported her journey, called it “170 hours of grace and grit.” He emphasized that the performance was not just about endurance but also a profound tribute to the spiritual depth and cultural richness of Bharatanatyam.

Support from Religious Leaders

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore, along with several church leaders, attended the event and appreciated Remona’s commitment to cultural integration. Throughout the performance, Remona wore a rosary, which she described as her source of strength.

The Journey of Preparation

Years of Training

Remona has been training under Guru Sri Vidya for the past 13 years. To prepare for this marathon dance, she practiced nearly six hours a day, building the stamina and discipline required for such a record attempt.

Versatility Beyond Bharatanatyam

While Bharatanatyam remains her forte, Remona is also skilled in semi-classical, western, and contemporary dance forms, making her a versatile performer.

Recognition and Previous Achievements

Remona has previously been featured in several prestigious record books, including the,

• India Book of Records
• Golden Book of Records – London
• Bharat Book of Records (2017)
• These accolades reflect her consistent dedication to excellence in the performing arts.

Cultural Integration through Art

Dance as a Bridge Across Faiths

Noted classical flutist Clara D’Cunha praised Remona’s achievement, stating that music and dance transcend religious boundaries and spread a message of unity and mutual respect. She also noted that many Catholic youths in Mangalore are drawn to Indian classical art forms, with institutions like Sandesha Cultural Center of the Diocese of Mangalore offering training in classical dance and music.