Page 28 - The Indian EYE 061926

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 19, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

GMOCO’s Rangtaali 2026 – Midwest

Garba-Raas Championship Concludes

with Overwhelming Success

OUR BUREAU ilies, performers, and volunteers
across the Midwest under one shared
Columbus, OH
cultural vision. GMOCO’s efforts to
he Gujarati Mandal of Central bring together multiple cities and as-
Ohio (GMOCO), in collabo- sociations demonstrated the growing
Tration with Gujarati organi- strength and collaboration of the re-
zations across the Midwest, proudly gional Gujarati community as Unity
celebrated the successful conclusion is Strength.
of Rangtaali 2026 – Midwest Gar- Preserving the Past. Empowering the Future.
ba-Raas Championship, held on May
16, 2026, at Westerville North High Rangtaali celebrated Garba and
School in Central Ohio. Raas not merely as performances,
The first-of-its-kind regional but as living expressions of Gujarati
Gujarati folk dance championship identity, devotion, rhythm, and joy.
brought together 18 talented teams By investing in cultural arts and inter-
from 6 Midwest cities — Columbus, generational participation, the event
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Pitts- ensured that Gujarati traditions
burgh, and St. Louis — to compete continue to be lived, celebrated, and
on one stage in a vibrant celebration passed on for generations to come.
of culture, youth, heritage, and com- This is a great initiative by GMO-
munity unity. ba, Raas (Dandiya), and Fusion/Folk nect deeply with Gujarati traditions CO to bring together the Gujarati
The event drew over 900 attend- categories, showcasing extraordinary through performance, teamwork, community in the Midwest to cele-
ees from across the US Midwest and creativity, synchronization, costumes, leadership, and artistic expression. brate our culture, our traditions, our
received an overwhelmingly positive musicality, and cultural storytelling. The event empowered younger gen- folk dances, and provide this amazing
response from participating cities, The championship atmosphere com- erations to proudly embrace their platform for our children, youth, and
performers, choreographers, volun- bined the excitement of competition roots while building confidence and adults,” said Rupam Chokshi, cur-
teers, families, and community lead- with the warmth of Gujarati hospital- lifelong cultural connections. GMO- rent trustee and former president of
ers alike. ity and togetherness. CO’s youth group - YUVAConnect GMOCO.
One of the most inspiring aspects Rangtaali proved to be a tremen- participated in the competition and GMOCO expressed heartfelt
of Rangtaali was the incredible age dous success because it fulfilled all announced a Summer Workshop Se- gratitude to the choreographers,
diversity among participants, ranging three of its core objectives: ries at the Rangtaali event. participants, judges, volunteers,
from 8 years old to 80 years old. From A Platform for Gujarati Youth Regional Unity: Ohio+ Gujarati sponsors, partner organizations, and
young children taking the stage for attendees whose dedication and sup-
the very first time to seniors proudly Rangtaali created a meaningful The championship successfully port made Rangtaali possible.
celebrating traditions they have cher- and inspiring stage for youth to con- united Gujarati organizations, fam- As one of the largest Gujarati
ished for decades, Rangtaali truly cultural stage events in the Midwest,
embodied the spirit of a multigenera- Rangtaali 2026 has laid the founda-
tional community celebration. tion for a lasting regional tradition
The event was built for families, centered around culture, collabora-
run entirely by volunteers, and pow- tion, and community pride.
ered by tradition. About GMOCO
GMOCO is honored to have re-
ceived official recognitions from both The Gujarati Mandal of Cen-
the State of Ohio and the City of Co- tral Ohio (GMOCO), established in
lumbus for hosting Rangtaali 2026 1967, is a nonprofit cultural organiza-
– Midwest Garba-Raas Champion- tion dedicated to preserving and pro-
ship. These proclamations recognize moting Gujarati heritage, language,
GMOCO’s leadership in promoting arts, and community engagement
cultural diversity, empowering youth, in Central Ohio. Serving more than
preserving Gujarati heritage, and fos- 1,000 families,
tering regional unity by bringing to- GMOCO continues to foster
gether communities from across the cultural pride, unity, and intergen-
Midwest through the shared celebra- erational connection through edu-
tion of Garba and Raas traditions. cational, social, and traditional pro-
Participants competed in Gar- gramming.

www.TheIndianEYE.com