Chicago, October 30, 2006
Congratulations on a very successful and exciting
event last Saturday night in Chicagoland to showcase Punjabi
culture and spirit at its finest. What a showcase it was
of Punjabi folk dances, incredible untamed and raw youthful
energy, colorful demonstration and skills by the participants
in the International Gidha and Bhangra competition. How
wonderful to see that many participants in the Bhangra and
Gidha teams were of cultures and communities who were not
Punjabi, but no one could tell that they had not fully mastered
the wonderful steps and spirit of the Punjabi folk dances
and gave an incredible account and affirmation that Bhangra
and Gidha music and dance fever is contagious and has made
a place in their soul.
What a testimony to the successful transplanting of cultures,
their power to embrace and connect all humanity in its raw
energy and spirit, and the music and rhythms offering echoes
and resonance in other cultures, once separated by time,
distance, and geography.
As I sat and watched, I saw music, dance, foods transcending
cultures, ethnicities, faiths, and our origin or nationality
at the ultimate "crossroads of nations": The United
States of America.
I felt proud that a young community has grown over the
past four decades and making a place for itself, the future
generations, with the heart, faith, and special gifts that
it brought to these shores to share with the world.
Congratulations to all who have been working hard across
this nation and around the world for this dream to mature
and now witness that it has taken roots. Some of the cultural
elements have taken on a new mystique and are becoming a
rage and global phenomenon. We must continue to share and
fully integrate our culture and gifts wherever we have chosen
to make our home. Chicagoland Punjabi community has done
an amazing job towards this effort.
5th PCS Chicago International Bhangra and Gidha Competition
2006” held on October 28, 2006 - an amazing showcase
Click here for the glimpses of Bhangra /Gidha Competition
posted by Ms. Deanna Olsen of Iowa City, IA.
Click here: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=deanna718
