Udupi, August 22, 2025 – Vidushi Deeksha V, a young Bharatanatyam artist from Munkinjaddu, Brahmavar, has begun an ambitious 216-hour continuous dance marathon to etch her name in the Golden Book of World Records. The nine-day event, titled Navarasa Deeksha Vaibhavam, commenced on August 21, 2025, at 3:30 PM at the Postgraduate Auditorium of Dr. G. Shankar Women’s College, Ajjarkad, Udupi, and is set to conclude on August 30, 2025. The performance, supported by Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, follows the Marga Paddhati style, with Deeksha taking a 15-minute break every three hours as per the record attempt rules.
The event was inaugurated by former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat and dignitaries through a ceremonial lamp-lighting. Deeksha’s guru, Vidwan Sridhar Rao Bannaje, praised her dedication, stating, “My student Deeksha is striving to create a Golden Book of World Records, and she deserves everyone’s blessings. When she approached me, I advised her to complete her Vidwath exam and prepare thoroughly. Having such a dedicated student validates our teaching efforts.” Yashwanth M.G., who previously set a record by singing for 24 hours, inspired Deeksha and was present at the event, noting the challenges and the importance of audience encouragement in alleviating mental stress during the marathon.
Deeksha, a B.Ed. student at Dr. TMA Pai College of Education, began learning Bharatanatyam at age two and has trained rigorously since age four. She is also skilled in Yakshagana, Veena, Chende, Maddale, and painting. Her attempt follows a recent record by Remona Evette Pereira, who performed Bharatanatyam for 170 hours in Mangaluru. The Asian Head of the Golden Book of World Records will oversee the event to ensure compliance with guidelines, with video documentation capturing every moment of the performance.
