Thousands of women from across India came together to take part in the world’s Largest Kaikottikali dance earlier this month.
 
The spectacular display took place in Kizhakkambalam, in the disctrict of Kerala, and saw 6,582 participants twist and twirl in mesmerising synchronicity.
 
Largest Kaikottikali dance 
Everyone wore traditional set-mundu dress and danced for longer than five minutes, as required by the Guinness World Records guidelines for this record title.
 
The huge event was planned by charitable organisationTwenty20 Kizhakkambalam, Kitex, Parvanendu School and Chavara Cultural Centre in honour of Thiruvathira – a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the South of India.
 
Not only this, the organisers wanted to revive the culture of Kaikottikali dance and hope that the record attempt will make the traditional ritual popular again.
 
Largest Kaikottikali dance participants 
The women spent months painstakingly rehearsing the choreography for this challenge, taught by the Parvanendu School of Thiruvathira (another name for Kaikottikali).
 
Largest Kaikottikali dance certificate presentation
“Today we have created history,” said Mr Sabu Jacob, chief coordinator of Twenty20 and MD of Kitex Garments.
 
“More than setting any record, the event was intended to promote communal harmony, empower women and give a much-needed boost to performing arts,” he continued. “My sincere gratitude to all who made this event a grand success.”
 
Smt.Malathy G. Menon, director of Parvanendu School of Thiruvathira said:
This endeavour by Twenty20 will go a long way in bringing Thiruvathira closer to the youngsters of today. I’m proud and happy to be a part of this record-breaking attempt by Twenty20.
Previously the largest Kaikottikali dance involved 5,211 dancers who were led by Jitha Binoy (India) as part of the Thanima 2015 Arts Festival in Irinjalakuda, India, on 2 February 2015.