Tag: Bharatanatyam

Events in Goa

Nativity Stories Come Alive Through Bharatanatyam at Sadbhav Christmas

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Fr. Elvis Fernandes

The Story of Christmas, told through Bharatanatyam and titled “Cradle of Light,” depicted the Nativity stories surrounding the birth of Jesus at Sadbhav Christmas. The celebration was organized by the Society of Pilar at the Horta De Maria, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, Goa, on 21st December 2025.

An explosive performance by the quartet of dancers -Impana Kulkarni, Parijat Naik, Srushti Prabhudesai, and Sakshi Borkar – along with meaningful commentary by Swara Prabhudesai from Vyomi Arts Centre, Porvorim, captivated the audience with their stellar performance bringing various nativity stories, based on the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke, to life through Bharatanatyam, a unique classical dance form from Tamil Nadu.

“Through our dance, we aimed to bring the Nativity story to life, showcasing not just the birth of Jesus but the essence of love and hope it represents,” said Impana Kulkarni, the choreographer and director of dance presentation.

Sadbhav Christmas, an interfaith gathering embodying goodwill and harmony, brought together people of different faiths to celebrate Christmas, showcasing unity, peace, and communal harmony through cultural programs like dance and music. As an annual event, the celebration elicited a positive response and was well-appreciated by all those present.

Music director, composer, singer, and actor of the film Claudia, Mukesh Ghatwal, was the Chief Guest. He regaled the audience with a soulful melody that expressed: “Music transcends barriers and speaks to our shared humanity. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the whole world is one family – is a message we all need to embrace.”

The guests of honour included Taha Haaziq, Secretary of the Goa State Commission for Disabilities, and Dr. Ida Mukherjee, a mental health professional. Haaziq spoke about the importance of fostering cordial relations between various faith communities in his Christmas message, while Dr. Ida delivered a presentation that effectively highlighted the universal and inclusive nature of Christmas and its celebrations.

Earlier, after lighting the traditional lamp, Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, the Director of the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, welcomed the gathering. Following this, students from Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, sang the Christmas carol “Mari Matek Ballok Zala,” penned by the renowned poet Manohar Rai Sardesai and set to music by Michael Martins. This was followed by students from Fr. Agnel Higher Secondary School, Pilar, who rendered a Christmas folk song.

The entire program left the audience spellbound, with audiences applauding enthusiastically after each performance. As one audience member reflected, “I feel uplifted today; this event truly showcases the spirit of Christmas.”

The program concluded with mementos being presented to the dignitaries and participants. Sahil Awasthi and Siya Almeida, students of Fr. Agnel College, compered the program, while Fr. Joseph Caji Barreto proposed the vote of thanks

Human Interest

Lavina Vishwanath Pai Bir Wins First Place in Bharatanatyam at IIAF Vietnam

Tanisha Cardozo

Ms. Lavina Vishwanath Pai Bir has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing First Place in Bharatanatyam at the International Indian Art Festival (IIAF) held in Vietnam. Her dedication, discipline, and love for the art form have culminated in this prestigious recognition on an international stage.

A devoted student of classical dance, Lavina’s journey is deeply rooted in years of rigorous training under her Nritya Guru, Jhaanvi Bondre of the Siddhakala Dance Institute. Her performance not only showcased technical precision but also conveyed the spiritual depth and expressive grace that define Bharatanatyam.

This proud accomplishment reflects the collective effort and guidance of her Guru, the unwavering support of her family, and her own artistic commitment. It is a moment of joy and inspiration for the Siddhakala Dance Institute, and a source of immense pride for the Pai Bir and Kenkre families.

Lavina’s victory at IIAF Vietnam stands as a shining example of how Indian classical dance continues to inspire and connect cultures across borders — celebrating the timeless beauty of tradition through the language of art.

National

Mangaluru Student Sets World Record with 170-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

July 30, 2025 | Mangaluru

In an awe-inspiring display of endurance, passion, and devotion to Indian classical dance, Remona Evette Pereira, a 20-year-old BA student at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, set a new world record by performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 170 hours — a feat officially recognised by the Golden Book of World Records.

Her performance began at 10:00 am on July 21 and concluded at 12:00 noon on July 28, held at the university’s Robert Sequeira Hall. The previous record stood at 127 hours, which Remona surpassed by a stunning 43 hours.

She commenced the marathon with an invocation to Lord Ganesha and concluded it with a ballet and a devotional piece dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolizing a full-circle spiritual journey.

An Unbelievable Human Feat

Over the course of seven days, Remona followed a meticulously planned routine — taking a 15-minute break every 3 hours, during which she consumed a simple diet of bananas, curd, tender coconut water, and soft-cooked rice. The preparation for this event began months ago, with Remona training daily for 5–6 hours alongside her academic responsibilities.

A dedicated medical team — including doctors and ambulance personnel — was present throughout the event to ensure her health and safety.

Artistic Excellence

Throughout the 170-hour performance, Remona displayed flawless footwork, precise mudras (hand gestures), emotive abhinaya (facial expressions), and rhythmic movement — all hallmarks of Bharatanatyam. She performed to recorded classical music, maintaining the cultural purity of the dance while pushing physical limits.

Community Support & Recognition

Remona was supported by her mentor Dr. Shrividya Muralidhar, the college administration, faculty, and peers. After the performance, she was honored with a certificate of excellence by Manish Vishnoi, India Representative of the Golden Book of World Records. Vice Chancellor Praveen Martis also praised her perseverance and passion.

An Inspiration to All

Already an accomplished dancer with 13 years of training and several records under her belt, Remona has become a symbol of what dedication and cultural pride can achieve. Her performance was not merely a record-setting event — it was a spiritual journey, a disciplined challenge, and a cultural statement.

As her classmates welcomed her back with a Bharatanatyam procession, the auditorium echoed not just with applause, but with national pride.

Remona Evette Pereira’s name is now etched in history — a reminder of the heights young India can reach with tradition in their hearts and resilience in their spirit.