On March 7th, Cornell’s PAO Bhangra Exhibition will bring together dance teams, Cornell students, and community members for a high-energy celebration. In organizing this event, the Bhangra team continues a long established partnership with IWR, as Cornell Bhangra’s current co-presidents, Sanya Mahajan and Dhruti Raghuraman, explain.
Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance that began with farmers in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. U.S. dance programs and universities have adopted the dance style. It is vibrant and fast-paced with dancers wearing colorful, loose garments and festive jewelry. Unlike more competitive events, the PAO Bhangra Exhibition keeps the pressure low. Teams from across the country, including student teams from Princeton and the University at Buffalo, and this year’s elementary and high school teams from Rochester and Buffalo, come together to share the stage in a collaborative spirit. Dhruti notes that the event’s name, “Pao,” means “to perform,” and the word also perfectly captures the energy of the event. Over 1,000 people attend the event each year; many are Cornell-affiliated, but it also draws a large community turn-out. About 40% of the attendees are community members, making it one of Ithaca’s unique celebrations for people of all ages.
For Cornell Bhangra, founded in 1997, the team is not only about dance but a support system. Sanya shared that what drew her to Bhangra was the “people and community” and continued: “We pride ourselves in being a family.” Though busy with their studies, Sanya (Computer Science major junior) and Dhruti (Human Development major senior), find time to practice three times a week with their 30-plus teammates. They both grew up dancing but immersed themselves in the Bhangra dance style at Cornell.
The partnership between Cornell Bhangra and IWR began in 2019. The co-presidents share that their current goal is to strengthen and expand Bhangra’s partnership with IWR, reinforcing their mutual commitment to community connection and belonging. Celebration of Punjabi dance and culture aligns well with IWR’s role in welcoming immigrants and their traditions to Ithaca. Social responsibility is central to the team’s values, so supporting IWR through fundraising is core to their work. Dhruti shares that “inclusion and diversity are central” to Cornell Bhangra in selecting beneficiaries. Both groups work to celebrate and welcome newcomers while fostering belonging. In addition to fundraising, the Bhangra team has visited the Global Roots Play School to perform for children and families. They also help raise awareness about IWR’s mission by giving space at the PAO Bhangra event for an IWR representative to give a short presentation.
Sanya shares that PAO Bhangra would “not be possible without community sponsors.” New Delhi Diamond’s, located on Ithaca’s State Street will generously donate a dinner for the dance teams to enjoy the night before the event. PAO Bhangra attendees can purchase Diamond’s mango lassis, a yogurt-based drink, and samosas, a popular savory pastry. The restaurant’s proceeds from sales go to the team. Additionally, Uncle Marty’s Printing in Collegetown is a valued sponsor, donating materials for event advertisements.
IWR is grateful to Cornell Bhangra for their ongoing commitment to community, culture, and belonging. Their partnership strengthens our shared role in making Ithaca a welcoming place for all.
PAO Bhangra XXIII will take place in Barton Hall on Cornell campus on March 7th, 2026 at 6:00 pm, with show proceeds to benefit IWR. Tickets can be found here.
