In 2023, the Krewe da Bhan Gras made its debut, bringing Bollywood-influenced style and dance to Mardi Gras parades. Between floats and bands, dance teams like the Pussyfooters and the 610 Stompers engage the crowd with their style, music, and choreography. Adding Bollywood to the mix takes all of that to a new level.
See the KBG in action.
Bhan Gras' members come from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Guyana and Bangladesh, and according to krewe founders Monica Dhand and Anjali Niyogi, "In recent years, there has been a beautiful growth in groups honoring and sharing their cultural traditions. There is a small but growing collection of people from the South Asian diaspora, but few opportunities to share our culture and traditions with the city."
The enthusiastic responses they get along the parade route have made them one of Carnival's new success stories, and Dhand and Niyogi hope that the fun and joy that they bring inspires others to do the same thing.
“We hope the recognition of New Orleans as a multicultural city grows and more groups, whether they have been here for generations or newly arriving, feel inspired and welcomed to share their own traditions," they said.
Those in New Orleans can see the Krewe da Bhan Gras when they parade Thursday night during the Krewe of Muses parade, and on Saturday afternoon in the Krewe of Iris parade.
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