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The Gujarati Mandal of Central Ohio (GMOCO), in partnership with Gujarati organizations across the Midwest, successfully hosted Rangtaali 2026, the Midwest Garba-Raas Championship, on May 16, 2026, at Westerville North High School in Central Ohio.
According to a statement, the inaugural regional Gujarati folk dance championship brought together 18 teams representing six Midwest cities, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. The event provided a platform for participants to celebrate Gujarati culture, heritage, community spirit, and artistic talent through traditional folk dance competitions.
More than 900 attendees from across the Midwest participated in the event, which organizers said received an enthusiastic response from performers, choreographers, volunteers, families, community leaders, and participating organizations.
One of the event’s distinguishing features was the wide age range of participants, spanning from 8 to 80 years old. Young children performed alongside older community members, highlighting the multigenerational appeal of Garba and Raas traditions. Organizers noted that the event was designed as a family-centered celebration and was made possible entirely through volunteer efforts.
GMOCO also received official recognition from the State of Ohio and the City of Columbus for hosting Rangtaali 2026. According to the organization, the proclamations acknowledged GMOCO’s role in “promoting cultural diversity, empowering youth, preserving Gujarati heritage, and fostering regional unity” through the celebration of Garba and Raas traditions across Midwest communities.
Teams competed in Garba, Raas (Dandiya), and Fusion/Folk categories, showcasing a range of performances that emphasized choreography, creativity, costumes, musicality, synchronization, and cultural storytelling. Organizers said the event combined the excitement of competition with the welcoming atmosphere of Gujarati hospitality.
According to GMOCO, the championship achieved its three primary goals: providing a platform for Gujarati youth, strengthening regional connections among Gujarati communities across Ohio and the Midwest, and preserving cultural traditions while encouraging future generations to embrace them.
“This is a great initiative by GMOCO to bring together the Gujarati community in the Midwest to celebrate our culture, our traditions, our folk dances, and provide this amazing platform for our children, youth, and adults,” said Rupam Chokshi, current trustee and former president of GMOCO.
GMOCO expressed gratitude to the choreographers, participants, judges, volunteers, sponsors, partner organizations, and attendees whose contributions helped make the event a success.
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