KOCHI: Women and girls numbering around 6,582 from 20 different States including Kerala, in 16-minutes danced their way into the Guinness Book of World Records by performing the largest ever ‘Thiruvathirakkali, Kerala’s traditional art form in eastern suburb, Kizhakkambalam here.
The participants created new history in the Guinness book of World Records at Kitex Apparel Park grounds here on Monday. The record attempt was organised by Twenty20 Kizhakkambalam, in association with Chavara Cultural Centre and the Parvanendu School of Thiruvathira .
“The record for the world’s largest Thiruvathira belongs to Twenty20 Kizhakkambalam,” said Rishi Nath, adjudicator of Guinness World Records, while handing over the certificate to Sabu Jacob, president and chief coordinator of Twenty20, which rules Kizhakkambalam panchayat.
Iringalakkuda in Thrissur had in 2015 recorded Thiruvathira with 5,211 dancers.
“More than setting the world record, we hope this mega event will serve to bring together the people of Kerala and give a much-needed fillip to non- performing arts,” said Sabu Jacob.
A group of women were initially trained under Malathy G Menon, founder of Parvanendu School of Thiruvathira. They were in turn delegated to lead smaller groups to train nearly 7,000 women.
“Along with 2,500 woman and children from Kerala, a Russian woman and nearly 4,000 woman from 19 different States across India participated. Dissemination is the only way Thiruvathira can flourish as an art form. It can reach greater heights only if more people embrace it, learn and practice it as a part of their daily life,” she added.
With no age limit, women aged between 10-75 have performed the dance. “Thiruvathira being a traditional art form has deep roots in creating synergies among communities irrespective of caste, creed and culture,” said Fr. Roby Kannanchira, director of Chavara Cultural entre.