PCS’s global Bhangra, Gidha competition

CHICAGO, IL — Punjabi Bhangra (folk dance) teams including University of Chicago, Spartan Bhangra from Cleveland Ohio, "Raakhe Virse De" from Michigan, SFU Bull Bhangra from Tampa Florida, Nachdi Jawani Folk Loverz from Toronto competed in the 10th PCS Chicago International Bhangra and Gidha Competition held on October 14 at Meadows Club, in Rolling Meadows Illinois.

Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Advance Pain Management in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was the grand sponsor. The event was also sponsored by Dr. Narinder S Grewal, Mohina Ahluwalia, PCS chairman Hardial Singh Deol, and Gurdeep Singh Nandra.

Anita Lerche, a Billboard Top-5 Charting Artist and an internationally acclaimed award-winning singer, songwriter and composer enthralled the audience with her melodious singing and dancing.

Over 500 PCS supporters defied the inclement weather to enjoy this colorful and high-energy cultural showcase.

Nearly 100 male and female bhangra performers from all over the United States and Canada and local youth coordinators participated in this event.

The next PCS Chicago’s mainstream event is participation in McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on State Street in Chicago downtown on Thanksgiving Day (November 23), with a theme "Punjabi Maharaja wedding procession." The PCS contingent will include a decorated float, a dressed up walking unit, Bhangra dance troupe, Punjabi music and live Dhol drum, where thousands of spectators will line up to watch.

PCS is an all-volunteer non-profit community service organization devoted to promoting Punjabi culture, performing arts, education, sports, and good citizenship in the Chicago Metropolitan area.