The much anticipated annual Boston Bhangra competition presented by Boston Bhangra and Filmy, was held on Nov 10 2007 at the Orpheum Theater in Boston, MA when 10 teams who had made it to the final round presented their Bhangra acts. The presentations by the teams who came from all over the United States were exciting and energetic and brought a smile to all Bhangra lovers.

The brochure clearly declared the mission and vision of the competition. The organizers claimed that their goal was to promote South Asian culture and their love for Bhangra in the US. “We have worked hard to gather sponsorship to provide significant cash prizes to the winning teams. More importantly though we promise to make this the best competition by making it a well organized event” proclaim the organizers.

True to their word they did make this a well organized event. The participants were young men and women mostly from colleges around the country came sporting their very colorful Bhangra costumes.  A lot of attention seemed to have been paid to the costume.  The Bhangra costume for men consists of Turla (fan like adornment on the turban), Pag (turban), Kaintha (necklace, occasionally earrings) , Dhoti and Kurta(shirt) For women it is, Dupatta (chunni or scarf) Tikka (jewelery on the forehead),Jhumka(earrings),Paranda (braid tassel),Kameez (shirt) and Salwaar (pants).

Apna Virsa Allstars from Vancover, Canada, BU Bhangara from Boston, MA, Columbia Bhangra from New York, NY, Cornell Bhangra from Ithaca, NY, Da Real Punjabiz from San Diego, CA, Lethal Bhangra Crew from Merced, CA, MIT Bhangra from Cambridge, MA , NU Bhangra from Boston,MA, RU Bhangra from New Brunswick, NJ, Shan-e-Punjab from Toronto, Canada, VCU Bhangra from Richmond, VA,  and Virsa: Our Tradition /Aan Punjab Di from New York and New Jersey were the ten teams that competed for the prize.   Every team had put a lot of effort into their choreography.

The show was very fast paced with a great mix of traditional Punjabi folk songs and modern remix versions.  Bobby Narang, from was the master of ceremonies for the event and helped keep the pace for the event. Each team brought its own unique touch to the presentation.

Da Real Punjab from San Diego CA had some of the best formations. The team members had perfectly synchronized movements that led to them being placed first in the competition.  VCU Bhangra from Richmond, VA had the best costumes and was placed second in the competition.  Third place winners, MIT Bhangra were perhaps the most creative with an innovative blend of traditional and modern Bhangra. While Shan-e-Punjab from Toronto, Canada did not win a prize their presentation was very energetic and entertaining.  The exhibition presentation by Boston Bhangra Juniors from Boston, MA was cute.

Almost every Desi college student attended the event and the after parties were too many to count! Boston Bhangra should be congratulated on putting together a fun event and we look forward to next year’s event with great anticipation!

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