Remona Pereira Sets World Record with 170-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon
- Remona Pereira performed Bharatanatyam for 170 hours, setting a new global record.
- Her performance blended faith and tradition, supported by religious leaders and institutions.
- With 13 years of dance experience, she prepared rigorously to achieve this endurance milestone.
In a stunning display of endurance, devotion, and cultural harmony, 20-year-old Remona Evette Pereira from Mangalore has earned her place in the Golden Book of World Records by performing Bharatanatyam non-stop for an astounding 170 hours. Her record-setting performance took place from July 21 to July 28, 2025, at the St. Aloysius College campus, capturing the admiration of audiences and cultural leaders alike.
A student of St. Aloysius College, Remona danced continuously for seven days, clocking an unprecedented 10,200 minutes of Bharatanatyam. She surpassed the previous record of 127 hours, held by Sudhir Jagpath since 2023. As the final moments approached, students, faculty, and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to witness history being made. The event culminated with Dr. Manish Vishnoei, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, formally recognizing her achievement, describing it as 'unimaginable'.
Jesuit priest and Vice Chancellor Fr. Praveen Martis, who supported Remona’s journey, hailed the effort as '170 hours of grace and grit'. He stressed that her performance was more than a test of physical strength it was a spiritual tribute to the rich tradition of Bharatanatyam. Adding to the spiritual depth of the feat, Remona wore a rosary throughout the marathon, which she described as her source of strength and focus.
Several religious leaders, including Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore, were present at the closing ceremony. They lauded Remona’s commitment to cultural integration and her ability to bridge faith and tradition through art.
Remona has been learning Bharatanatyam under Guru Sri Vidya for the past 13 years. In preparation for this record-breaking performance, she trained six hours a day, gradually building the stamina required for such a demanding challenge. Though Bharatanatyam is her specialty, Remona is also trained in semi-classical, western, and contemporary dance styles, making her a truly versatile performer.
She has previously been recognized by the India Book of Records, Golden Book of Records – London, and the Bharat Book of Records (2017). Classical flutist Clara D’Cunha praised the performance as a symbol of unity, saying that such achievements show how music and dance transcend religious boundaries, encouraging deeper cultural understanding and mutual respect.
