‘Pride of Kullu’ enters Guinness Book

Our Correspondent

Kullu, January 11

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kanwar stated that mega Kullu “Nati”, phrased as “Pride of Kullu”, which was conducted during the Kullu Dasehra on October 26, had made it to the Guinness World Records Book.

While addressing the mediapersons here he stated that the confirmation was received today that 9,892 participants were registered to make a world record of the “Largest Nati Dance”. He added that the event was organised under the aegis of “Beti Hai Anmol” and mostly females participated in the mega “Nati”. The event had already made it to the Limca records book by registering 8,540 participants in Kullu Dasehra Festival 2014.

Kanwar said though around 13,000 women had participated in the event, only 9,892 were registered by the authorities as there were strict stipulations and guidelines, including bar-coded chip for each participant, due to which many were left unregistered. He added that the information regarding present world record would be conveyed to the authorities of Limca records so that the same can be updated in their next edition.

The district administration would provide participation certificates to all the participants and those who assisted in successfully conducting the event.

The Deputy Commissioner said it was a matter of pride for the entire country, especially Kullu, that the local folk-dance had made a world record and this would elevate the status of “Nati” worldwide. He congratulated the participants and stated that this recognition would elevate the status of traditional folk dance and spread awareness on saving the girl child.

He stated that the need of the hour was to empower the women folk for a better tomorrow. Promoting such events would assist in preserving the culture and customs of Himachal.

The event was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during Kullu Dasehra festival in 2014. The Chief Minister had stated that the event would be held during the Dasehra fest every year. He had lauded the efforts of the district administration and stated that the ‘Nati’ depicted the tradition and culture of the hill state.

Kullu ADM Vinay Singh Thakur, AC Siddartha Acharya, SDM Rohit Rathore and Kullu DPRO Sher Singh Sharma were present on the occasion.