For the first time ever, the Maggie Walker Bhangra Team performed at the annual Festival of India (FOI) at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Starting on September 9, 2023, the event brought in around 20,000 people across two days with more than 100 performances from groups around the Richmond area. The bhangra team captains decided to enter with only a few weeks to practice and settled on a routine with a mix of previously performed songs so the dance would come together quickly. Captain Bharathi Kancharla (’24) shared, “Since the festival was so early this year, we decided not to enter the competition, as we felt we didn’t have enough time to organize and practice. However, one of the organizers approached and asked us to enter, and we thought, ‘What do we have to lose?’”

The team practiced for only two weeks and spent no money on costumes or props. Everyone agreed to perform as if they were still a general entry item, but they still put all their energy into the dance. The sight of everyone gasping for air and soaked in sweat as they walked off stage was unforgettable.

Vice Captain Tanvi Palavalas (’25) explains the events that followed the successful performance, reflecting, “Many of us left after we performed at FOI, whether it was because we were exhausted from giving our all or to finish our assignments. I remember I was working on my math homework when, all of a sudden, my phone started buzzing with FaceTime calls and messages. Puzzled, I picked up the phone to see a few of my teammates hoisting a trophy and chanting repeatedly that we had won first place! We were all so shocked, and immediately, we went into a frenzy, filled with excitement from this incredible achievement. Looking back, our emotions took us on a journey from shock to confusion to pride. We were proud that our very own high school team had proven that without any professional help or costumes, we could achieve so much.”

Proud to have started the year on such a positive note, the entire team is already excited to perform for Fall Fest and other events throughout the year.