Nachda Punjab was one of the original bhangra competitions that every team wanted to be apart of. It was a show that had built up a fair amount of respect from the indian community.

However, as more and more shows began to take place, such as Dhol Di Awaz, Bruin Bhangra, CSUN Bhangra, etc, Nachda Punjab hasn't received much attention.

This year it seemed as if they would regain their name but highlighting their show with the best team in the nation, KHALSA JUNCTION. Along with KJ, the Lethal Bhangra Crew (the best team in Cali next to KJ), Davis Dynasty(coed), UCSC Sluggan Di Ronak, Kuriyan Punjab Diyan(Stanislaus), Shernia di Shaan(Riverside Girls), B-3 Santa Clara(coed), Ronak Punjab Di(Davis Girls), as well as a few others were invited to compete in this years show.

The early prediction was that KJ and LBC would take the top two spots before the show even started, and third place was a toss up between the girls teams and possibly Davis Dynasty (co-ed). The show took place, the crowd was entertained and within a blink of an eye it was over. The teams gathered on stage to hear the winners called out. 3rd place....Davis Dynasty. It was well deserved as they dazzled the crowd. 2nd place however was a shocker as Khalsa Junction was announced. Personally my jaw dropped as I thought they were the easy choice for first place. With KJ getting 2nd, 1st place was left and only two teams had a legit shot at taking it, LBC and the UCSC girls who are probably best girls bhangra team ever born in the United States. The girls dazzled the crowd with their version of traditional and modern bhangra with a touch of Santa Cruz flavor. LBC on the other hand did what they always do, show the crowd who's boss. The legendary bhangra team from merced lit up San Jose and received the loudest ovation of the night.

However, 1st place was announced as B-B-B University of Santa Clara. Everybody in the building heard nothing but silence as all the teams stood on stage in shock. Santa Clara was even surprised because they didn't deserve to place at all. Politics are overtaking the bhangra world and it brings great shame upon the sikh community.

At intermission of the show, a video was played saying that sikhs are truthful and should stay that way. What happened? How could one of the worst competing teams of the night beat the best team in the nation?

I personally do not know, but I will point fingers at politics, bad judging, and SJSU for embarrassing bhangra competitions across the globe. Lets just hope this kind of behavior does not continue in our community.

Signing off....jattstatis

- Reviewed: Jatstatis ( Thu Apr 7 18:00:40 2005 )