CM Mohan Yadav stated that the grand classical dance marathon, dedicated to divine worship and now recognized as a Guinness World Record, will uplift the stature of dance practitioners. He emphasized that this achievement marks a proud moment for the nation’s cultural heritage and artists. It serves as a significant step in preserving traditional art forms while gaining global recognition.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival, CM Mohan Yadav highlighted that this world record showcases India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage to the world. The 24-hour 9-minute 26-second non-stop dance performance by 139 artists has not only inspired the artistic community but also reinforced government efforts to safeguard culture and tradition.
CM Mohan Yadav praised the sacred land of Bundelkhand, stating, “Here, even stones shine like diamonds, and people radiate like Bundelas. Likewise, when dance flourishes in Bundelkhand, it transforms into the globally renowned Khajuraho Dance Festival.”
He further elaborated that classical dance originated as a form of devotion to the divine. While Kathakali narrates Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela and life events, Lord Nataraja’s Tandava and Ananda dances symbolize cosmic energy. The uninterrupted classical dance performance, now a Guinness World Record, represents the eternal passage of time, akin to celestial bodies in constant motion.
A Record-Breaking Display of Classical Dance Forms
The Guinness World Record attempt commenced at 2:34 PM on February 19, 2025, and concluded at 2:43 PM on February 20, 2025, with dancers performing continuously for over 24 hours. This remarkable feat is now officially recorded under Madhya Pradesh’s name.
A total of 139 artists participated, presenting a relay-style Classical Dance Marathon featuring Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi. The final performance, a Bharatanatyam presentation, marked the record’s official recognition, with the Guinness World Records team awarding the certificate to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.
Following the certification, all 139 dancers came together for a synchronized performance of Tarana ‘Anant’ before the Chief Minister. The event also saw Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Religious Trust & Endowments (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Khajuraho MP V.D. Sharma, and other dignitaries joining the record-holders for a commemorative photograph.
The ceremony began with a traditional lamp-lighting ritual, accompanied by the release of a souvenir publication of the Khajuraho Dance Festival.
Sixth Guinness World Record Under CM Dr. Yadav’s Leadership
Minister Dharmendra Lodhi noted that under Dr. Yadav’s leadership, the government has been actively working to preserve and promote cultural heritage, with this being the sixth Guinness World Record achieved. He also elaborated on the strategic planning behind the international Khajuraho Dance Festival.
MP V.D. Sharma described the festival as a moment of pride for Bundelkhand, stating that the record-breaking achievement reflects the government’s commitment to innovative cultural initiatives, further motivating art enthusiasts.
State Rupankar Art Awards 2024-25
During the inauguration, the prestigious State Rupankar Art Awards were presented:
- Dattatraya Damodar Devalalikar Award – Divya Porwal
- Raghunath Krishna Rao Phadke Award – Veena Singh
- Narayan Sridhar Bendre Award – Rashmi Kuril
- Mukund Sakharam Bhande Award – Nitesh Panchal
- Devkrishna Jatashankar Joshi Award – Ujjwal Ojha
- Jagdish Swaminathan Award – Preeti Potdar Jain
- Syed Haider Raza Award – Manish Singh
- Lakshmi Singh Rajput Award – Pallavi Verma
- Rammanohar Sinha Award – Shubhamraj Ahirwar
- Vishnu Chinchalkar Award – Lucky Jaiswal
Showcasing Cultural Diversity at Aadivart Museum
The Aadivart Tribal Folk Art & State Museum unveiled exhibits representing five cultural regions of Madhya Pradesh—Malwa, Nimar, Chambal, Bundelkhand, and Baghelkhand. Through traditional houses, household artifacts, and folk deities, visitors and international tourists were given an immersive experience of these cultural landscapes.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Dance
For the first time, the festival introduced the Khajuraho Children’s Dance Festival, aimed at encouraging young talent and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Renowned actress and dancer Prachi Shah, along with Chhatarpur Collector Parth Jaiswal and Superintendent of Police Agam Jain, inaugurated the event, celebrating a new chapter in the festival’s legacy.