Mangaluru, July 31, 2025 — In an extraordinary display of passion, endurance, and cultural pride, 20-year-old Remona Evette Pereira, a final-year BA student at St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, has etched her name in the Golden Book of World Records by performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 170 hours. The marathon, which began at 10:30 AM on July 21, 2025, and concluded at 12 noon on July 28, 2025, at the Robert Sequeira Auditorium, shattered the previous record of 127 hours and captivated audiences worldwide. Remona’s feat is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of India’s rich classical dance heritage.

A Record-Breaking Journey

Remona’s historic performance, spanning seven days, commenced with a prayer to Lord Ganesha and concluded with a ballet and a devotional piece dedicated to Goddess Durga. Performing at St. Aloysius College’s auditorium, she maintained the intricate footwork, expressive mudras (hand gestures), and emotive storytelling of Bharatanatyam with only a 15-minute break every three hours. Her repertoire included traditional pieces like Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, alongside semi-classical and devotional sequences, all set to recorded music.

The performance, meticulously documented on camera and monitored by officials from the Golden Book of World Records, showcased Remona’s unparalleled stamina and artistry. Dr. Manish Vishnoi, the India representative for the Golden Book of World Records, presented her with the certificate of excellence, noting that while 120 hours would have sufficed for a record, Remona’s determination to dance for seven days (170 hours or 10,200 minutes) set a new global benchmark.

Years of Dedication and Preparation

Remona, who began training in Bharatanatyam at age three under her guru Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar at Sourabha Kala Parishat, has dedicated 13 years to mastering this classical dance form. Her daily practice of 5–6 hours, balanced alongside her academic commitments, prepared her for this grueling marathon. In the months leading up to the event, she followed a strict diet of bananas, curd, tender coconut water, and soft rice to maintain energy, a regimen she adhered to during the performance’s brief breaks. A medical team, including doctors and ambulance staff, monitored her health throughout, ensuring her safety.

Her dance guru, Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, described the achievement as “a golden chapter in the legacy of Indian classical dance,” praising Remona’s mental clarity and spiritual composure. “Dancing 170 hours without sleep, while maintaining the balance of mind and body, is divine. She has created a record that brings pride to Tulu Nadu and India,” she said.

A Multifaceted Talent

Beyond Bharatanatyam, Remona is a versatile performer skilled in semi-classical, Western, contemporary, folk, hip-hop, Latin, Bollywood, ballroom, and acrobatic dance forms. Her performances are known for their creativity, including daring acts like dancing on broken glass, nail pads, mud pots, and with fire hula hoops. She has previously earned recognition in the India Book of Records, Golden Book of Records (London), and Bharat Book of Records in 2017, and received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022 for her contributions to dance. Remona’s vision extends beyond personal accolades—she aims to make Indian classical dance accessible to orphans, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals, and plans to pursue a PhD in Bharatanatyam.

Community and Institutional Support

The marathon transformed St. Aloysius College into a cultural hub, drawing dignitaries such as the Deputy Commissioner, Zilla Panchayat CEO, MLA, district in-charge minister, and the Bishop of Mangalore, alongside students, faculty, and art enthusiasts. The university, led by Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis and Rector Fr. Melvin Pinto, provided comprehensive support, including medical assistance and rest areas. Fr. Martis recalled Remona’s dream to set a world record when she joined the university, stating, “Over the last one-and-a-half years, we made all arrangements to support her. She has brought great pride to our institution.”

Her mother, Gladis Pereira, and classmates were her pillars of strength, with fellow Bharatanatyam students welcoming her back with a graceful dance procession at the conclusion of the marathon. The event, attended by both Hindu and Christian leaders, underscored the unifying power of art, bridging cultural and religious divides.

A Viral Sensation and Cultural Milestone

Remona’s performance has gone viral on social media, with videos and photos earning widespread admiration. Netizens expressed awe, with comments like, “How is it even possible? She’s super-human!” and “Many congratulations to the daughter of Mangalore… hats off.” Her story has resonated globally, highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Bharatanatyam, a dance form rooted in devotion and discipline.

The marathon not only surpassed the previous 127-hour record set by 16-year-old Shrishti Sudhir Jagtap in 2023 but also established Remona as the first person to perform Bharatanatyam continuously for such an extended duration. Her achievement has been hailed as a proud moment for Mangaluru, Karnataka, and India, with her guru calling it “a feat that must be written in golden letters.”

Inspiring a New Generation

Remona Evette Pereira’s 170-hour Bharatanatyam marathon is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and cultural heritage. Her record-breaking performance has not only elevated Mangaluru’s cultural stature but also inspired young artists to push boundaries. As she continues her journey, with plans to expand access to classical dance and pursue advanced studies, Remona stands as a beacon of dedication and a symbol of India’s enduring artistic legacy.

Stay tuned to BharatTone for more inspiring stories of achievement and cultural pride.

Keywords: Remona Evette Pereira, Bharatanatyam world record, Mangaluru, St. Aloysius College, Golden Book of World Records, 170-hour dance marathon, Indian classical dance, cultural heritage, Karnataka, Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, Tulu Nadu, dance record.