What is Garba-Raas?
Garba and raas are traditional forms of dance originating in Gujarat, a region in India. Traditionally performed in large circles around the Goddess Amba, and accompanied by rhythmic clapping, garba is performed during the nine-day festival of Navratri. Raas is also performed during Navratri, however this form of devotional dance uses sticks called ‘dandia’ and is partner-oriented to the beat of the dhol drum. In recent years, choreographed garba-raas has become increasingly popular at colleges and universities across the country as competitions provide the outlet to showcase the talent and creative spin put on a timeless tradition.

What We Do
In 2010, a group of students founded the Raas Royalty Dance Competition. Every year, eight superb intercollegiate teams travel from all over the country to compete for the crown. The dedicated organizers, talented teams, and wonderful performers come together with one goal in mind: to spread their culture and love of dance with the students and residents of Indiana. Through the support of many different sponsors, Raas Royalty is the the only free garba-raas competition in the nation. This year’s competition will be held on March 3 at IU Auditorium in Bloomington, Indiana. Do not miss your chance to attend the show to spectate the energetic routines from the most talented teams in the country.

Sponsors
Kaplan, Hutton Honors College, Residence Hall Association, IU Art and Humanities Council, Commission on Multicultural Understanding, Asian American Studies Program, and IUSA.