Bandana Nepal set a Guinness World Record in 2018 after completing a 126-hour dance marathon.
Nepali dancer Bandana Nepal’s extraordinary 126-hour dance marathon has once again caught the attention of social media users. Her incredible performance, which lasted for more than five days, once placed Nepal firmly in the Guinness World Records.
But as old videos and posts about her achievement go viral again, one question is being asked repeatedly: Does Bandana Nepal still hold the world record for the longest dance marathon by an individual? The answer is no.
Bandana’s 126-hour record was eventually broken in 2023 by Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap, who completed a 127-hour dance marathon.
How Bandana Nepal Made History?
Bandana began her record attempt in Kathmandu in November 2018. Performing mainly to Nepali music, the young dancer continued her marathon performance for 126 hours, completing one of the most demanding physical challenges of her life.
Her achievement surpassed the previous record of 123 hours and 15 minutes, which had been held by Indian dancer Kalamandalam Hemalatha.
After the feat was officially recognized by Guinness World Records, Bandana was widely celebrated in Nepal, with her story also attracting international media attention.
What made the achievement even more remarkable was her young age. Bandana was still a teenager when she took on the physically and mentally exhausting challenge.
Did She Really Dance for Five Days Without Food or Rest?
This is where many viral posts about Bandana’s record can become misleading. The phrase “danced continuously for 126 hours” does not necessarily mean she performed for the entire period without any kind of break.
Under Guinness World Records marathon rules, competitors can earn short rest periods after completing a set period of continuous activity. Those rest minutes can also be accumulated and used together when required.
Bandana has previously spoken about surviving largely on liquids such as juice during the marathon and experiencing severe sleep deprivation.
Who Broke Bandana Nepal’s Record?
Bandana’s 126-hour record remained unbeaten for several years. In 2023, Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap surpassed it by completing a dance marathon lasting 127 hours in Latur, India.
Her record attempt took place from May 29 to June 3, 2023. Srushti, who was 16 at the time, mainly performed the Indian classical dance form Kathak during her record-breaking marathon.
The achievement officially moved the longest individual dance marathon record from Bandana Nepal to Srushti.
The Record is Gone, But Bandana’s Achievement Still Matters
Bandana Nepal may no longer be the current Guinness World Record holder, but that does not erase what she achieved. She remains the Nepali dancer who completed a 126-hour dance marathon and became a Guinness World Record holder, with her record standing until it was broken in 2023.
Her performance represented not only physical endurance but also discipline, mental determination and a desire to bring international attention to Nepali dance and culture.
So, as Bandana’s incredible 126-hour performance goes viral once again, the accurate version of the story is simple: Bandana Nepal did set the Guinness World Record with her 126-hour dance marathon but she is no longer the current record holder.
However, her achievement remains one of the most memorable moments in Nepal’s modern dance history.
