SDMH-Singh Digital Media House has taken the next step in representing our rich culture to the world by proudly presenting the International Solo Bhangra Competition for both males and females. Boys and girls from around the globe are encouraged to participate.
Since 1998, Singh Digital Media House (SDMH) has been at the forefront of organizing a series of cultural events and programs in Sweden and across Europe. These events have served as platforms for contestants to venture into the esteemed entertainment industries of Punjab and Bollywood, while also promoting the traditional values, rich culture, and heritage of India and Punjab. In 2024, we celebrated our 91st event, India 0 km, one of the biggest Indian Food & Culture Festivals in Europe.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE.
Everyone who loves our traditional folk dance, Bhangra, is welcome to participate, regardless of age, gender, religion, caste, or nationality. From children as young as 5 to adults up to 70 years old, everyone is encouraged to join. Whether you are male or female, an experienced dancer or a beginner, we invite you to be a part of this vibrant celebration. Our event aims to bring together Bhangra lovers, fostering a sense of unity and cultural appreciation. So, if you have the enthusiasm and love for this energetic and joyful dance form, we encourage you to participate and showcase your talent on our platform.
GROUPS NAME, AGE & ENTRY FEE.
- BEAS –– Category 1: 5-10 Years = 35 Euro.
- RAVI –– Category 2: 11-17 Years = 45 Euro.
- JHELUM–Category 3: 18-30 Years = 55 Euro.
- CHENAB-Category 4: 31-51 Years = 65 Euro.
- SATLUZ– Category 5: 52-70 Years = 75 Euro
Unpaid registrations will not be accepted. Please pay your entry fee using PayPal or your ATM card
REGISTRATION.
If you are eager to showcase your talent to the world, please click the “Register Now” button and complete the online registration form. Remember to fill out the form with accurate information; any fake registrations or incomplete information will be deleted from our database, and you will not be able to participate. Please submit two photos: one full-size and one passport-size, and 1 -2 min video. If your registration form is incomplete, we regret to inform you that you will be disqualified immediately.
THE PRIZE OF PRESTIGE.
The winner of the event will be awarded a cash prize, a certificate, the SISBC trophy, and a selection of exciting prizes, including gift vouchers and gifts from our generous sponsors. Additionally, the titleholder will receive a recommendation letter, offering a gateway to the entertainment industry. As the crowned champion, the winner will also serve as the Brand Ambassador of SISBC until the next event. It is imperative for the winner to actively promote SISBC and the title, as well as submit regular reports to SDMH. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in the forfeiture of the title, crown, and sash.
ONLINE AUDITIONS
After registration, our team will contact you for further information. Once you are informed that your registration is approved, you can begin preparing for the online audition round. The online auditions will be held in each country, and the winner from each country will advance to the Grand Finale. In the Grand Finale, contestants will compete for the title in their respective groups, and our judging panel will make their final decision to crown the Bhangra King of the Year.
GRAND FINALE.
The Grand Finale will be held in the homeland of Bhangra, Punjab, India. Participants who qualify for the Grand Finale will be invited to India a few days before the event for training and workshops conducted by our world-class masters. Singh Digital Media House will take care of your accommodation, meals, and transportation during the Grand Finale. As the winner from your country, you will represent your nation. Please note that you are responsible for your own visa fees (if applicable) and airfare to and from the Grand Finale in Punjab, India.
RULES & REGULATIONS.
1. Participants confirm that their conduct and character will always uphold the highest moral standards.
2. Participants will not commit any acts inconsistent with the highest standards of public morals and conventions, nor will they show any disrespect or unfavorable attitude toward the show, its representatives, sponsors, or licensees at any time.
3. Applicants confirm that they have never appeared in nude or provocative photographs in any film or publication prior to or during the preliminary rounds or pageant finals.
4. Participants will conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner at all times during the talent show and while representing the SISBC title.
5. Participants will not abuse or fight with other contestants, judges, management staff, or anyone else involved with or connected to Event.
6. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Disruptive behavior, verbal abuse, or written remarks against the management and Singh Digital Media before, during, or after the pageant may result in disqualification, removal from the premises, forfeiture of any and all prizes won, and potential legal charges. This decision rests solely at the discretion of the management.
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HISTORY OF BHANGRA.
Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi folk dance from Punjab. In a typical performance, solo or group dancers execute vigorous kicks, leaps, and body bends often with upraised, thrusting arm or shoulder movements to the accompaniment of short songs called boliyan and, most significantly, to the beat of a dhol. Today, Bhangra is popular worldwide; wherever you are from, as soon as the Bhangra beats play, your feet start dancing. Bhangra has made a significant impact globally.
SISB – Singh International Solo Bhangra is organized by Singh Digital Media House, founded by Ranjit Singh Dhaliwal from Sweden. We preserve and promote Punjabi culture and heritage and specialize in traditional Indian pageants across Europe. SISB is dedicated to talented youth Bhangra enthusiasts. Our team of skilled judges aims to bring the vibrant spirit of Bhangra to the world.
This competition is for solo Bhangra lovers living in countries big and small worldwide. It is designed for those who do not have a full team or are not part of a team but love Bhangra. This competition aims to foster interest in children and younger solo dancers. Our goal is to connect our Punjabi youth with Bhangra culture and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent internationally.
Our core values are to foster creativity, teamwork, and a love for Bhangra.
THE BEGINNING OF BHANGRA.
Traditionally, bhangra is danced by men but now we see both men and women participating in this dance form. With bhangra competitions all over the world, we see all sorts of people competing in these events.Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi folk dance from Punjab. The first mentions of Bhangra as a dance entity appear in historical records around the late 1800s. The current style and form of Bhangra took shape in the 1940s and have evolved since. Originally, Bhangra was a folk dance celebrated during the harvest season. These dances include Sammi, Jhummar, Luddi, Giddha, Dhamaal, Sialkot, and many more.
Regional Variations of Bhangra
- Sialkoti Bhangra: Developed in the region of Sialkot, this style is performed with one leg in the air.
- Jhummar: Originating from Jhang-Sial, Jhummar can be traced back to the Aryan period and consists of a 16-beat dhol cycle.
- Sammi: This dance is specifically dedicated to singing about a fabled girl.
In the 1940s, communication between villages and regions in Punjab sharply increased due to independence movements across the area. As a result, several celebrated dance pioneers shared these dances both in times of celebration and to ease hardship. Each region quickly adapted the shared dance forms into their own folk traditions. Eventually, a standard Bhangra routine across Punjab came to consist of certain components, such as a Jhummar segment or a Dhamaal segment.
Due to the exponential rise in communication in Punjab and across India, Bhangra spread throughout the country. The Bollywood industry began to depict Bhangra in its movies, while celebrated Bhangra pioneers actively spread and shared the dance form. As a result, Bhangra music is now mainstream throughout India and the world.