Udupi, August 18, 2025 – Vidushi Deeksha V, a young and accomplished Bharatanatyam artist from Munkinjaddu, Brahmavar, is gearing up to attempt a historic 216-hour continuous Bharatanatyam performance to secure an entry in the Golden Book of World Records. The marathon event, titled Navarasa Deeksha Vaibhavam, will take place from August 21 to August 30, 2025, at the Dr. G. Shankar Women’s First Degree and Postgraduate Studies Centre, Ajjarkad, Udupi. The performance, organized under the banner of Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, aims to celebrate the nine emotions (Navarasa) of Bharatanatyam while showcasing Deeksha’s dedication to the classical dance form.

Speaking at a press conference on August 17, Deeksha shared her journey and inspiration, crediting her mentor, Vidwan Sridhar Rao, for guiding her. “Initially, I was unsure of what to do, but my teacher advised me to complete my Vidwath and then pursue this goal. I was inspired by Vidwan Yashwanth M G’s 24-hour singing record, which motivated me to attempt a world record in Bharatanatyam,” she said. Deeksha, who began learning the dance at age two and has trained rigorously since age four, emphasized her extensive preparation, including nutritional guidance and a disciplined regimen. She will perform following the Marga Paddhati, taking a 15-minute break every three hours as per the rules.

The event, supported by former Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat and led by Mahesh Thakur of Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, will commence on August 21 at 2:00 PM with an inauguration, followed by the performance starting at 3:30 PM. It will conclude with a valedictory function on August 30. Deeksha, an alumna of Little Rock Indian School, Amrutha Bharathi PU College, and Dr. G. Shankar Women’s College, is currently pursuing a B.Ed. at Dr. TMA Pai College of Education, Kunjibettu. Her multifaceted talents extend to Yakshagana, Veena, Chende, Maddale, and painting.

The press conference was attended by Vidwan Sridhar Rao, Vidushi Usha Hebbar, and Ashwini Mahesh Thakur, who expressed their support for Deeksha’s ambitious endeavor. If successful, this nine-day performance will mark a significant milestone, surpassing the recent 170-hour Bharatanatyam record set by Remona Evette Pereira in Mangaluru, and will bring global recognition to Udupi’s cultural heritage.