Mumba: A non-descript suburb of Mumbai became the venue for one of the most colourful, mega festive events of Kerala this evening as over 3,000 women participated in an extravagant dance with a hope of entering the Guinness Book of World Records.
Suburban Dombivli’s KDMC grounds was packed with Malayalis as well as other Mumbaikars to watch a beautiful spectacle of dancers, mostly Malayalis dressed in traditional attire to perform the Kaikottikali dance at the three-day Mumbai Pooram 2012, described as “the world’s biggest Kerala festival held outside the state.”
In Mumbai Pooram 2011, Kaikottikali dancers entered the Limca Book of World Records for the maximum number of participants and this year they hope to reach further. Officials from the Guiness Book of World Records were present to watch the performance for synchronization and overall presentation.
Shriraj Nair, President of Borivli Malayali Samajam, told Gulf News, “Members of Malayali Samajams across Mumbai and Thane have enthusiastically joined in to present this wonderful performance which includes students, housewives, working women, school children and even grandmothers.” Even non-Malayalis have joined in to perform this dance, he added.
The women have been practicing faithfully for several days and a rehearsal being held on October 28 at Dombivli where 2,000 dancers turned up for the practice session. This year’s Mumbai Pooram was celebrated with dance performances, laser shows, food festivals and exhibitions.
