BU Fatakada is Boston University’s premier co-ed Garba-Raas team, bringing together some of the most talented dancers at BU to celebrate and share the vibrant culture of Garba-Raas with the Boston University community and beyond. Garba-Raas, a traditional folk dance originating from the Indian state of Gujarat, has evolved into a nationally competitive dance circuit through the passion and dedication of South Asian-American students over the past two decades. For 21 years, BU Fatakada has proudly represented Boston University as one of the oldest and most established teams in the collegiate Garba-Raas circuit. Our mission is to preserve and promote this cultural art form while fostering community, cultural appreciation, and artistic excellence on campus and across the nation. Through our performances and competitions, we aim to showcase the richness of South Asian culture while building meaningful connections within and beyond BU.

Competing at the national level is central to fulfilling this mission. However, participation comes with significant financial challenges. Each competition requires funding for transportation, hotel accommodations, registration fees, and other essential expenses for our dancers. Altogether, these costs amount to approximately $7,000 per season. In addition to travel and competition costs, teams must also apply to competitions in advance. This year alone, there are 18 official bid competitions across the national Garba-Raas circuit. To maximize our opportunities to compete and represent BU, we applied to all 18. Beyond applications and travel, creating our competitive set requires additional funding such as props, costumes, and materials that enhance our choreography and storytelling.

Despite our dedication and hard work, these expenses quickly exceed what we can cover as a student-run organization. That’s why we are turning to our community for support. We are seeking to raise $8,000 to cover competition, travel, and production expenses for the season. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to continuing our tradition. Thank you for supporting BU Fatakada and helping us keep the spirit of Garba-Raas alive!