Hamilton, a city known for its vibrant multiculturalism, recently witnessed an explosion of joyous beats and dynamic movements as it hosted Bhangra and Giddha Cup.
The event showcased the energetic and captivating traditional dance forms of bhangra and giddha, bringing together participants and spectators to revel in the rich heritage of Punjab.
The event, organised by Riwayat-E-Punjab Folk & Culture Club, took place on May 6, 2023, at Clarence St Theatre.
More than 700 people attended the event. It went beyond mere entertainment and served as a bridge between communities, promoting cultural exchange and fostering understanding of the rich Punjabi culture.
More than 20 teams participated at the competition, including two from Australia – PFDA Melbourne and Bhangra Roots Melbourne. The competition was divided into categories based on age groups and skill levels, ensuring equal opportunities for dancers of all ages and experience levels to participate.
There were five categories – Senior Giddha, Junior Gidda, Senior Girls Bhangra, Junior Girls Bhangra and Junior Boys Bhangra. Each performance was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of renowned artists and experts in Punjabi folk dances, including Pal Singh Samaon, Dr Harinder Hundal, Sumeet Singh and Harpreet Goldy Sangerha.
The winners of the event were Rooh Punjab di (NZ Senior Giddha and Junior boys Bhangra), Saanjh Sports & Cultural Club (Senior Girls Bhangra, Junior Girls Bhangra)and Punjabi Heritagers (Junior Gidda).
Talking to The Indian Weekender, Enaya Eknoor Dhillon, member of the Punjabi Heritagers winning team, said, "We are very proud of winning. In my opinion, we can keep Indian culture alive by having more competitions like this one in Hamilton, and celebrating more Indian festivals around New Zealand. This would help spread the word, and people from all across NZ, including all cultures, can enjoy and understand our culture. I would especially like to thank my teacher Harjeet Kaur who has spent considerable time on coaching us over the last couple of months."
The guests also appreciated the efforts to keep Indian culture alive. The event attracted participants and spectators from various ethnic backgrounds, showcasing the universal appeal of these Punjabi dance forms, and the ability to unite people through their vibrant expressions and infectious beats.
Harpreet Kaur, one of the attendees, said, "This event served as a captivating celebration of Punjabi folk dances and showcased the rich heritage and exuberance of the Punjabi community. This celebration of Punjabi culture provided a stage for the talented performers and showcased the beauty and richness of bhangra and giddha to a wider audience.”
The event also had guest performances by Riwayat-E-Punjab Folk & Culture Club and Bhangra Roots Auckland. The organisers were overwhelmed by the response to the event.
A committee member of Riwayat-E-Punjab Folk & Culture Club told The Indian Weekender, “Such events are important to bring the Kiwi-Indian community on one page. I want to thank all our team whose tireless efforts made the whole event so successful. Many thanks to all our club members, giddha coach and volunteers. A special gratitude to all the teams who participated in the cup, including those who especially came from Australia.”
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