Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium became a mesmerising stage of tradition and artistry as 11,600 dancers performed Bharatanatyam, setting a new Guinness World Record on Sunday, December 29. Led by acclaimed Mollywood actress and dancer Divya Unni, the performance broke the previous record of 10,176 dancers.
Themed “Kailasam,” the event was a tribute to divinity and cultural heritage. Dressed in vibrant blue silk sarees, the dancers moved in perfect unison to an eight-minute composition penned by renowned lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, set to music by his son Deepankuran and sung by Anoop Sankar.
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian inaugurated the event, which included distinguished attendees such as Kaithapram, actor Sijoy Varghese, and other luminaries. The spectacle featured participants as young as seven and over 550 dance teachers from around the world.
Despite the grandeur, the event witnessed a concerning incident. Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas fell 15 feet from an improperly barricaded stage in the VIP gallery. She was immediately rushed to hospital with serious injuries. The Palarivattom police have registered a case against the organisers, citing negligence.
The mishap occurred just before the event began, with the stadium filled to capacity and more than 50,000 attendees present. Performances planned for the dais were cancelled, and no speeches were made following the accident.
The record-breaking performance was a testament to months of rigorous practice, showcasing the unifying power of dance. As the dancers formed a clockwise circle with Divya Unni at the centre, the stadium resonated with their synchronised movements and devotion.
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