If you love dance or Bhangra, Boston was the place to be on November 15^th, 2025!  Boston Bhangra Inc. hosted their 22^nd annual Boston Bhangra Competition on Saturday, at the Strand Theatre in Boston with a capacity over 1,400 people!

The competition level was very diverse and extremely competitive with teams from all over North America, according to organizers. Teams hailed from Tononto Canada, Michigan, New York, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Boston. 
Eleven  teams competed. Apna Bhangra Crew from Washington won the event, followed by The Raniyaan from Toronto, Canada in second place and Saanjhe from California came in third.  Below is a description of the winning teams:

1st Place: Apna Bhangra Crew
Apna Bhangra Crew is a Seattle-based bhangra team that has been entertaining audiences since 2006. This year marks a new chapter, as ABC debuts a special coed lineup. This tight-knit group embodies a strong family dynamic that shines through on every stage they hit. Following a standout debut in the senior category as one of the youngest teams on the circuit, the girls of ABC return fresh off a dominant five-win streak, while the boys are making a strong comeback—ready to make a statement of their own and match the intensity and energy that define ABC’s legacy. True to form, Apna Bhangra Crew is set to deliver unmatched energy, unity, and the A-game that has become their hallmark.

2nd Place: The Raniyaan
The Raniyaan are an all girls competitive Bhangra team hailing from Toronto Canada. They strive to bring the most creative and innovative ideas to the stage while remaining fully intact with folk traditional bhangra.

3rd Place: Saanjhe
This team is based in the Bay Area, all the way from California. Bringing appreciation for the art of Bhangra in their united approach. Saanjhe represents one love for music, dance and folk punjabi culture with their tight-knit team and admiration for Bhangra. The name "Saanjhe," meaning "shared" or "together" in Punjabi, reflects the team's core values of collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural pride. Whether on stage or in the community, Saanjhe hopes to inspire audiences with every beat, step, and smile, honoring their heritage while pushing the boundaries of Bhangra as a folk art form.

Below were additional awards given out:

Best Mix: Saanjhe

Best Jodi (couple): Yellow Jodi from Putt Sardaran De

Best Vardi (Costumes): Baaghi

People’s Champion: Vakhri Taur Diyan

The over three-hour event featured special performances from Bhangra legend, Bhinda Jatt who lit the stage on fire at the end of the event!  He has massive hit songs like Putt Sardaran De, Glassy Nachdi, Jatt’s Boliyan, Kala Surma and MANY more!

Mirchi Nation restaurant was the food vendor of choice and sold snacks, dinner and drinks at the venue. Some of the major sponsors/supporters included Barr Foundation, Mannat TV, Mass Cultural Council, SG Computers, Masala Bay Restaurant and BU Met.  The show will be aired worldwide shortly and was shown live on youtube on the night of the event!

"It's always great to keep expanding year after year. This year we had Mannat 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 as 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," stated Rohit Bhambi, the co-founder of Boston Bhangra.

Look out for next year's event on November 14^th, 2026!

In the meantime, be sure to check out their next event, the South Asian Showdown, a bollywood/fusion dance competition, on Saturday, February 28^th, 2026!

Boston Bhangra is a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural awareness and mentorship of children. For more information, visit www.bostonbhangra.com, e-mail info@bostonbhangra.com or call (617) 448-2508.

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