Largest Bhangra dance – 31 August 2008 – Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Unbothered by the hot and muggy afternoon, 763 dancers, elaborately costumed in colourful dresses, leaped across a grassy field and into the Guinness World Records family, by participating in the “largest Bhangra dance”. In the event organized by South Asian non-profit groups Nachdi Jawani Association and Punjabi Virsa Arts and Cultural Academy (V.A.C.A), the dancers joined in an effort to preserve South Asian culture by spreading awareness of their native Indian state, Punjab.
In addition to dance education, Punjabi V.A.C.A holds classes for Bhangra, Gidha, art, instruments and turban tying to individuals of all ages. All in all, the organization aims to enrich young children and teenagers with healthy physical activities and creative art work, which is designed to reinforce important values such as respect, team building, and tolerance. Punjabi V.A.C.A. currently has 1000 students, and has taught over 5000 students in total since the organization began in 2001.