216 hours of Bharatanatyam performed in record attempt

Udupi: Vidushi Deeksha V from Udupi attempted a new world record for the longest Bharatanatyam dance performance, from Aug 21 to 30. She has claimed to perform Bharatanatyam for a record-breaking duration of 216 hours. A provisional certificate was issued on Saturday, while the Golden Book of World Records will now screen and verify the performance before formally certifying the record."There is no doubt she performed for 216 hours, but technically every aspect has to be checked, including the breaks. The final certificate will take some time," said Manish Vishnoi, Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records. He was speaking at the valedictory, Navarasa Deeksha Vaibhavam, held at Mahatma Gandhi Ajjarkad district stadium, on Saturday.Calling Bharatanatyam a "sadhana" and not just a dance form, Vishnoi praised Deeksha's grit. "She hails from a small town, from an ordinary family, but carries an extraordinary dream. Her determination to create a world record is inspiring," he said.Recalling a previous feat, he noted that Remona Evette Pereira set the world record with a 170-hour Bharatanatyam marathon last month. "When Deeksha expressed her wish to break it, I was surprised. Even 170 hours is a huge achievement. But Deeksha was planning for nine days straight. We even suggested she add a few hours instead, but she was determined," he said.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who was in Udupi, visited the venue and felicitated Deeksha. "I feel privileged to honour Deeksha," he said, recalling his own experience of learning Bharatanatyam during his school days. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication the art form demands, he congratulated her personally as well as on behalf of the govt.Meanwhile, an emotional Deeksha thanked everyone for their support, recalling that the first three days of the marathon were particularly challenging, but her determination helped her push through. She later performed before the audience and was felicitated by well-wishers.Deeksha created the record at Dr G. Shankar Government Women's First Grade College, Udupi. A native of Arooru in Brahmavar, she is the daughter of Shubha, a hostel helper, and Vittal, a bus driver at Little Rock Indian School, Brahmavar. An alumna of the same school, she went on to pursue her pre-university studies at Amritha Bharati PU College, Hebri, and completed her BSc at Dr G Shankar Women's College, Ajjarkad. She is currently pursuing her BEd at Dr TMA Pai College of Education, Kunjibettu. Deeksha began learning Bharatanatyam at an early age, a passion that has now brought her national recognition. MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat and philanthropist Nadoja G Shankar were present.