Mangaluru’s Remona Pereira Sets Global Record with 170-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon
Mangaluru, July 31, 2025 — Remona Evette Pereira, a 20-year-old student from Mangaluru, India, has captivated the global Indian community by setting a world record for performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 170 hours. This extraordinary feat, spanning seven days from 10:30 AM on July 21 to 12 noon on July 28, 2025, at St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, earned her a place in the Golden Book of World Records. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Remona’s achievement is a shining example of India’s cultural heritage thriving on the world stage.
A Historic Dance Marathon
Remona’s record-breaking performance, held at the Robert Sequeira Auditorium, surpassed the previous record of 127 hours. Beginning with a prayer to Lord Ganesha and concluding with a devotional piece for Goddess Durga, she showcased a diverse repertoire of traditional Bharatanatyam pieces, including Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, alongside semi-classical and devotional sequences. With only 15-minute breaks every three hours, Remona’s endurance and artistry were meticulously documented and certified by Golden Book of World Records officials.
Dr. Manish Vishnoi, the India representative for the record body, presented Remona with a certificate of excellence, noting that her 170-hour performance (10,200 minutes) set a new global benchmark. “She could have stopped at 120 hours, but her resolve to dance for seven days is unprecedented,” he said, celebrating her dedication to Indian classical dance.
A Lifelong Passion for Bharatanatyam
A final-year BA student at St. Aloysius College, Remona began her Bharatanatyam journey at age three under the guidance of her guru, Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, at Sourabha Kala Parishat. Her 13 years of rigorous training, including 5–6 hours of daily practice, prepared her for this monumental challenge. During the marathon, she sustained herself with a diet of bananas, curd, tender coconut water, and soft rice, supported by a medical team ensuring her well-being.
Dr. Shrividya praised Remona’s spiritual and physical resilience, stating, “Dancing for 170 hours without sleep, while maintaining the grace of Bharatanatyam, is a divine achievement. She has brought immense pride to Tulu Nadu and the global Indian diaspora.” Remona’s performance, a blend of technical precision and emotional depth, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
A Versatile Artist with a Vision
Remona’s talents extend beyond Bharatanatyam to include semi-classical, Western, contemporary, folk, hip-hop, Latin, Bollywood, ballroom, and acrobatic dance forms. Known for creative performances like dancing on broken glass or with fire hula hoops, she has previously been recognized by the India Book of Records, Golden Book of Records (London), and Bharat Book of Records in 2017. In 2022, she received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her contributions to dance.
Her vision goes beyond personal accolades. Remona aspires to make Bharatanatyam accessible to orphans, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals, and plans to pursue a PhD in the art form. Her story inspires NRIs to stay connected to their cultural roots while pushing boundaries in the modern world.
Community Support and Global Impact
The marathon transformed St. Aloysius College into a cultural hub, drawing dignitaries like the Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner, Zilla Panchayat CEO, MLA, district in-charge minister, and the Bishop of Mangalore. The university, led by Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis and Rector Fr. Melvin Pinto, provided extensive support, including medical facilities and rest areas. “Remona shared her dream of a world record when she joined us, and we are proud to see it realized,” said Fr. Martis.
Her mother, Gladis Pereira, and classmates offered unwavering support, with fellow dancers welcoming her with a graceful procession at the marathon’s conclusion. The event united Hindu and Christian leaders, showcasing the inclusive spirit of Indian culture—a message that resonates with NRIs worldwide.
A Viral Celebration of Indian Heritage
Remona’s performance has gone viral, with social media platforms buzzing with praise. Comments like “A true ambassador of Indian culture!” and “Proud moment for every Indian abroad!” reflect the global admiration for her feat. The videos and images of her marathon have sparked pride among the Indian diaspora, reinforcing the timeless beauty of Bharatanatyam.
By surpassing the previous 127-hour record set by Shrishti Sudhir Jagtap in 2023, Remona has become the first person to perform Bharatanatyam for such an extended duration. Her achievement elevates Mangaluru’s cultural legacy and inspires young Indians worldwide to embrace their heritage with passion and perseverance.
A Beacon for the Indian Diaspora
For NRIs, Remona Evette Pereira’s 170-hour Bharatanatyam marathon is a powerful reminder of India’s cultural richness and the strength of its youth. Her record-breaking performance not only celebrates Bharatanatyam’s spiritual and artistic depth but also positions India as a global leader in cultural excellence. As Remona continues her mission to spread classical dance and pursue academic excellence, she stands as an inspiration for the Indian diaspora to stay connected to their roots and achieve greatness.
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Keywords: Remona Evette Pereira, Bharatanatyam world record, Mangaluru, St. Aloysius College, Golden Book of World Records, 170-hour dance marathon, Indian classical dance, Indian diaspora, NRI pride, Karnataka, Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, Tulu Nadu, cultural heritage, Indian dance record.
