A Kuchipudi dance performance, titled ‘Mahabrinda Natyam’ by 6,117 artists organised at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada on Sunday bagged a Guinness World Record as the 'Largest Kuchipudi Dance'.
The dancers consisted of all age groups and left the audience mesmerized by their synchronised movements.
The event was the fifth international 'Kuchipudi Natya Sammelan', which started on Friday and was preceded by Kuchipudi conferences, which included lecture demos for the other artistes.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, his son Lokesh and grandson Devansh were present at the event.
Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and dancers like Yamini Krishna Murthy, Shobha Naidu and others too were present. The earlier record comprised of 5,794 participants and was achieved by SiliconAndhra (USA) in Hyderabad, India, on 25 December 2012.
Speaking at the event, Naidu stressed on promoting Kuchipudi by asking the parents to encourage their children to learn Kuchipudi. This would protect ancient art forms, culture and tradition, he said.
Naidu was quoted by The New Indian Express as saying, "This Kuchipudi feat is an inspiration to the younger generations and helps them master the art. Traditions and culture have to be carried to the future generations. It is to protect our identity."
To encouraging the artistes, the CM said the government has been distributing pension of Rs 1,500 each for all the artistes.
Rishinath, Adjudicator of the Guinness Book of World Records, handed over the certificate to the Chief Minister and Venkaiah Naidu and expressed his pleasure, in witnessing the “Largest Kuchipudi Dance”.