The cream of Australian Punjabi dance and music talent was on display at the Bhangra Down Under 2016 – Australian Bhangra competition held at the National Theatre, St Kilda on Sunday 25th September, 2016.
Eight teams competed from across Australia and other countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra for the top prize and the winning trophy.
The event was a sellout and over 1000 local Punjabi and other community fans packed the National Theater to roar support for their teams.
The male and female performers were from a mix of age groups including kids dancers.
Sydney based Ministry of Bhangra (MOB) dance group was crowned the winner of the annual Bhangra Down Under 2016 – Australian Bhangra Competition.
MOB celebrated jubilantly onstage in front of a packed audience and showcased the spirit of the Punjabi community.
Spokesperson for MOB said “We are humbled to be crowned the best Bhangra team in Australia considering the high quality of the other groups.”
“Our thanks go to the organisers for the hard work they have put in to make the event happen.”
The Down to Bhangra (DTB) were awarded second place in the competition with Melbourne Bhangra Regiment (MBR) announced in third place.
People’s choice award was won by OMG Bhangra team.
The organisers of Bhangra Down Under 2016 were thrilled with the ‘full house’.
Tanveer Bedi, spokesperson for the event said “Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the show. The performers were magnificent, the choreography first class and we look forward to next year’s event.”
The event featured the special guest, Punjabi Singer & Bhangra King Pammi Bai and the crowd was kept in good spirits by the four MC’s Preetinder Grewal from SBS Punjabi, Aman, Prashansa and Kuldeep Kaur.
The Judges included Rasna HS from Barqat/Radio Haanji Team, Mariam Afzal from USA and Preet Chahal from USA.
Other entertainment also included the Gidha, Jhoomer, kids Gidha and a sizzling Punjabi fusion performance.
Bhangra Down Under 2016 was proudly supported by OECC, Viva Immigration.