If you love dance, Bhangra, or simply enjoy watching amazing performances, Boston was the place to be on November 23, 2024! The 21st Annual Boston Bhangra Competition, organized by Boston Bhangra Inc., took place at the Strand Theatre in Boston. With a crowd of over 1,200 people, the event was a vibrant celebration of Bhangra, culture, and community.
A Diverse and Competitive Lineup
The competition featured some of the best Bhangra teams from across North America, and the energy in the theatre was electric. Teams came from all corners of the continent, including Vancouver, Toronto, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and of course, Boston. The event showcased the diverse talent in the Bhangra community, with each team bringing their unique style and passion to the stage.
Seven teams participated in the event, and the competition was fierce. The top three teams received well-deserved recognition, but all the performers left their mark on the audience.
The Winners of the 2024 Competition
1st Place: Furteelay Shokeen
Furteelay Shokeen took home the first-place trophy, marking their impressive victory. Founded in 2009, Furteelay Shokeen is an all-male Bhangra team from Michigan. The group was created by a passionate group of dancers who wanted to share their love for Bhangra with the world. Today, they are one of the most recognized Bhangra teams in the Midwest, and their win at the Boston Bhangra Competition solidified their place at the top.
2nd Place: Rangla Punjab
Rangla Punjab, a folk arts institute based in Surrey, British Columbia, earned second place. The academy was established in 2016 and has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Punjabi culture, including the art of Bhangra. Their commitment to community service and their passion for the folk traditions of Bhangra shone through in their performance. Rangla Punjab continues to inspire the next generation of Bhangra dancers.
3rd Place: Nachdi Jawani Diyan Mutiyaran
In third place, Nachdi Jawani Diyan Mutiyaran brought their dynamic and high-energy Bhangra moves to the stage. Known for their electrifying performances, this all-girls dance team has been making waves in the Bhangra community. Their powerful spirit and commitment to the art form were evident in their unforgettable routine. Nachdi Jawani Diyan Mutiyaran truly embodies the heart of Bhangra.
Special Awards and Recognition
In addition to the top three teams, several other teams and individuals received special recognition:
- Best Mix: Sunehri Folk Arts
- Best Jodi (Couple): Red Jodi from Rangla Punjab
- Best Vardi (Costumes): Furteelay Shokeen
- People’s Champion: Nachdi Jawani Diyan Mutiyaran
These awards celebrated not only the skill and talent of the dancers but also their creativity and teamwork.
A Legendary Performance by Balvir Boparai
One of the highlights of the night was the special performance by Bhangra legend, Balvir Boparai. Known for his hit songs like De De Gera, Hostel, Chharate, and Aaja Nachol, Balvir lit up the stage with his incredible energy and music. His performance was the perfect way to close out the event, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement.
Congratulations on a Successful Event!
Jay-Ho! Congratulations to everyone involved in making this year’s Boston Bhangra Competition such a success! From the incredible performances to the amazing community spirit, it was a celebration to remember. We wish you all the best for next year and look forward to another unforgettable event in 2025!
Sponsors of the Event
Throughout the event, Shanti Restaurant served delicious snacks, drinks, and dinner to keep attendees energized. The event was made possible by a number of generous sponsors, including the Barr Foundation, Chardikala Time TV, Mass Cultural Council, FirstPro, Masala Bay Restaurant, and the Brookline Community Foundation.
This year’s competition saw an exciting increase in the diversity of the audience, with more than 30% of attendees identifying as non-South Asian, reflecting the growing global appeal of Bhangra.
A Word from the Co-Founder
Rohit Bhambi, the co-founder of Boston Bhangra, expressed his excitement and pride for the event’s success:
“It’s always great to keep expanding year after year. This year we had Chardikala Time TV help support us nationally and globally to help expand the reach of Bhangra and all of the things we’re doing. We also had more than 30% non-South Asians attend, and we continue to attract a more diverse audience each year. It’s a true pleasure to see how many people attend this event and that we’re at the center of all of it.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
The excitement doesn’t stop here! The Boston Bhangra Competition is already looking forward to next year’s event, which will take place on November 15, 2025. With each year, the competition grows bigger and better, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store.
