On May 1, 1999, UCLA hosted an impressive event that gathered 1,200 people from all over the state of California. For three and a half hours, Ackerman Grand Ballroom was filled with representatives from UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, as well as local newspapers, prominent dignitaries, younger and older generation community members from all over the Southland, and of course, our very own, beloved UCLA undergraduates. Advertised in newspapers such as India West and India Journal, television programs such as Namaste America and Showbiz India, and radio programs such as Palki Radio Program, Bruin Bhangra was the largest, most advertised collegiate event in the west coast. And this was just in the first year alone.

Six months after the competition, bhangra hysteria was not to leave UCLA as over 40 UCLA students, undergraduate and graduate, tried out to make the 12 elite spots of the UCLA Bhangra Team. And as another year of planning began, the demand for making Bruin Bhangra an annual event was prevalent. Finally, on April 22, 2000, another 1200 anxious fans and curious undergraduate students filled Ackerman Grand Ballroom for the 2nd Annual Bruin Bhangra. This year had a total of seven bhangra teams competing, again from Northern California all the way down to Southern California. Teams in attendance was UCLA's "Chak de Phatte, Inc", and "GT Road De Mundey", UCSD's "The People's Bhangra" and "Da Real Punjabiz", UCI's "UCI Bhangra 2000", UCR's "Bhangra: Made for a Man, Better Done by a Woman", and CSUN's "Legalized Punjabi Mafia - The Knightriders".

Again, being a widely advertised show, Bruin Bhangra 2000 made all the South Asian local newspapers as well as our very own Daily Bruin. The hype of the show lifted everyone's spirits and it showed at the second annual Bruin Bhangra after party held once again at Margarita Jones. Well over 400 people were present showing off their bhangra skills after Bruin Bhangra 2000.

Building on the strong and positive reactions from Bruin Bhangra 1999 and the impressive execution and professionalism of Bruin Bhangra 2000, this year our aspirations proved to be even more promising. While keeping inline with tradition in having the same venue for both Bruin Bhangra - Ackerman Grand Ballroom, as well as the official Bruin Bhangra Afterparty - Margarita Jones, we upscaled the event as much as possible. We presented the following: bhangra competitions from twelve teams from different colleges and universities from all over the nation, bhangra performances and plays by youngsters, additional performances which are also associated with Baisakhi, some astonishing pieces performed by professional dancers, singers, and entertainers of bhangra, folk songs, and performances by older men and women as well. The rich culture and traditions of Punjab was exhibited as well, through stalls outside the performance area, where native snacks, dancing, mehndi, and other art forms were seen on display. Music, native costumes, and foods were all part of the educational experience that Bruin Bhangra 2001 manifested. Such a cultural identification served as a learning experience for many who are not familiar with bhangra.

UCLA Bhangra Team is proud to announce that Sukhbir will be in attendance at Bruin Bhangra 2002! In addition, the first place winner will receive a cash prize of $3,000, second place will be awarded $1,500 and third place will receive $500. Keep checking back frequently for more information regarding Bruin Bhangra 2002.