Records manager Tara El Kashef reports about a record she recently approved from India
One of the best parts about managing Indian record-breakers is getting to see some truly impressive mass participation attempts.
This time it’s the largest traditional Konyak dance which took place on 5 April when 4,687 women from 130 villages came together for an impressive display of a traditional folk dance with joyfully coloured costumes and a melodious song to sing.
The attempt was organised by the Konyak Union from the Mon District in the Indian State of Nagaland, a social organisation whose main aim is preserving Konyak’s rich and diverse culture.
"Even though the Konyaks are generally known as a warrior tribe and is almost synonymous with fierceness, the colourful and bright cultural attires and ornaments, mesmerising folk songs, dances and poetries of the Konyaks can be a complete surprise," said a union spokesperson.
The Konyak Union felt the ideal way to show this was with an ambitious record attempt during the Aoleang festival, which celebrates the beginning of spring every year from 1-6 April.
"During this week of festivity, you will find all Konyak men, women and children adorned in traditional finery which is a rare sight to witness in these modern times.
"When Konyak men and women come out to sing and dance, we get to witness the beauty and uniqueness of the tribe."
The moving scene of more than 4,500 women dancing in unison with a symphony of voices singing a traditional Konyak folk song attracted thousands of spectators.
"Men, women and children, in traditional attires, and visitors, which was probably the largest ever gathering in Mon Town," said one of the organisers, Dr Chenjei.
When asked if they would consider attempting anything similar in the future, Dr Chenjei added: "If opportunity arises we do wish to attempt other Guinness World Records titles."
We all hope to hear from them again soon!
Thinking of visiting?
We asked Dr Chenjei about some of the best spots in the region to visit and here are the recommendations:
Longwa Village: This village shares the international boundary with Myanmar. The boundary line runs through the middle of the village, in fact dividing the village chief’s house into two halves, one in India and the other half in Myanmar.
Shangnyu Village: This village is known for its rich folklores and also has a museum which houses many unique artifacts and woodwork from the past.
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