Khajuraho, situated in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to cultural richness with its UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recently, the historic town witnessed an extraordinary spectacle during the 50th Khajuraho Dance Festival, as 1,484 Kathak dancers gracefully moved to the rhythm of ‘Raag Basant’, etching their names in both the Guinness World Records and the annals of Kathak history for the largest-ever Kathak dance.
"The largest Kathak dance was achieved by the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh, during the 50th Khajuraho Dance Festival on February 20," declared the official Guinness World Records Certificate.
Chief minister Mohan Yadav, in a celebratory announcement, revealed plans to establish country’s first gurukul (teaching institute) dedicated to training in tribal and folk arts in Khajuraho. This pioneering initiative aims to preserve and nurture India’s rich cultural heritage for future generations, both domestically and internationally.
Kathak dancer (Representative image: Getty Images)
Yadav expressed gratitude to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi for his support in this cultural revival, being celebrated nationwide. He commended the dedication and talent of dancers and dance gurus (teachers) from across the state, which culminated in this historic achievement.
Rajendra Gangani, a veteran choreographer, led this diverse group of dancers from Madhya Pradesh in a captivating 20-minute performance which was recorded in the Guinness World Records. The synchronized movements and expressions enthralled the audience.
“The proposed gurukul will be envisioned in such a way that traditional skills and indigenous knowledge systems will be protected along with their holistic development in rural life. Along with this, the legacy of ancestors will also get expanded,” Yadav said.
This historic event in Khajuraho follows another impressive feat last month, where 1,282 tabla (percussion musical instrument) performers simultaneously participated in the Tal Darbar program during the Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior, securing a place in the Guinness World Records.
These remarkable achievements showcase the vibrant cultural landscape of India and the dedication of its artists to preserving and celebrating their heritage. The establishment of the new gurukul in Khajuraho promises to further bolster this mission, nurturing cultural ambassadors for generations to come.
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Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.