ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GWU gears up for annual Raas night on Feb. 7
Proceeds from the event will benefit a nonprofit supporting the South Asian community in the D.C. metropolitan area.
-
1759163132.png)
Anushka Pathak - Thu, 05, Feb 2026
- 15:39 EST
- 25
A glimpse from Raas Chaos XXIII in 2024 / Courtesy: Lily Speredelozzi/GW Today
The South Asian Society at George Washington University will host the 25th annual Raas Chaos competition on Feb. 7, bringing together collegiate Raas and Garba dance teams from across the United States.
The event, touted as the oldest collegiate Raas competition in the country, will take place at the Lisner Auditorium.
ALSO READ: IA Impact to host annual summit in April
Raas is a traditional Indian folk dance form characterized by synchronized choreography, music, and storytelling and is commonly performed in competitive collegiate settings. This year’s competition will feature seven teams, each typically comprising more than 20 dancers, along with exhibition performances by dance teams from George Washington University.
“We were truly the first Raas competition on the circuit,” Priyanka Balla, co-president of the South Asian Society, said in a statement to the university press. “That’s something we’re really proud of.”
Nafia Lalani, co-president of the South Asian Society, said the event reflects sustained student commitment over decades. “It’s a testament to the legacy that SAS has created and maintained over the past 25 years,” she said. “It represents not just this year’s work, but the commitment of every previous board that’s helped bring this event to life.”
Organizers expect about 250 dancers to travel to Washington for the competition. Planning is handled by a student board of more than 60 members who oversee logistics, sponsorships, promotion, and scheduling throughout the year, beginning with director selection in the spring.
Performances are expected to feature high-energy choreography incorporating themes, props, and narrative elements grounded in cultural traditions. “These performances are deeply cultural,” Lalani said. “There’s a lot of movement, a lot of energy, and a lot of creativity on stage.”
To mark the 25th anniversary, organizers will present a retrospective slideshow highlighting past competitions and contributors. Proceeds from the event will benefit Ashiyanaa, a nonprofit organization supporting the South Asian community in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
The university has said tickets are mandatory for entry.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login