Mahila Manovikas Eyes 13-Km Crochet Tiranga Record in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam-based organisation Mahila Manovikas is aiming to earn its fourth Guinness World Records title through a massive national-themed craft display. Titled Project Tiranga, the initiative features more than 40,000 handmade crochet tricolour flags spanning nearly 13 kilometres in length, crafted by hundreds of participants across India and abroad.
What Happened
On August 1, Mahila Manovikas will showcase the display of over 40,000 handmade crochet tricolour buntings at Port Stadium in Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam. The organisation hopes the 13-kilometre chain will set a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest chain of crochet buntings. Following the primary display, a formal gathering for participants will take place on August 2 at CMR Function Hall, Venkojipalem.
Around 330 crocheters divided into six groups contributed to the project. The participants span multiple generations, ranging from school children and teenagers to Gen Z enthusiasts, homemakers, working professionals, senior citizens, and past Guinness Record holders. Some members learned crochet specifically for this initiative, while others have practiced the craft since childhood.
Key Highlights
- Record Attempt Scale: More than 40,000 handmade crochet tricolour buntings stretching almost 13 kilometres.
- Event Details: Main display at Port Stadium, Akkayyapalem on August 1, with a participant function scheduled for August 2 at CMR Function Hall, Venkojipalem.
- Broad Community Reach: 330 crocheters across six groups contributed, including participants from Visakhapatnam, multiple Indian cities, and international locations.
- Fourth Record Milestone: Founded by Madhavi Suribhatla, Mahila Manovikas previously secured Guinness titles for 4,686 crochet caps in 2022 and 2,719 ponchos in 2023, alongside a large crochet squares initiative.
- Individual Contributions: Senior coordinator Nakka Padma completed nearly 1,200 to 1,400 flags for the project. Anshu Malini from Bhubaneswar participated in her fourth record attempt with the group, and 10-year-old Anandita G K contributed as one of the youngest participants after learning crochet at a summer camp organized with the Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh.
Why This Matters
Project Tiranga highlights how traditional handcrafts can foster community building and personal empowerment among women from diverse walks of life. Founder Madhavi Suribhatla emphasized that the goal extends beyond setting records to creating a shared purpose and celebrating national identity. Participants noted that involvement in these collective craft projects provides personal recognition, skill sharing, and therapeutic benefits.
What to Watch Next
Beyond the official record attempt, Mahila Manovikas plans to organize charitable distributions of crafted items, following its previous tradition of donating crochet items to orphanages and senior citizen homes. Members are also exploring options to bring handcrafted crochet products into commercial retail markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the record display taking place?
The display takes place on August 1 at Port Stadium, Akkayyapalem, Visakhapatnam, followed by a participant gathering on August 2 at CMR Function Hall, Venkojipalem.
How many flags were crafted for Project Tiranga?
Participants crafted more than 40,000 handmade crochet tricolour flags stretching nearly 13 kilometres.
What previous achievements has Mahila Manovikas recorded?
The organization achieved Guinness World Records for displaying 4,686 crochet caps in 2022 and 2,719 handmade ponchos in 2023, in addition to carrying out a major crochet squares project.
Source: The Hindu