Story by Monika Singh.

Six CQU International students from India got together last July to form a Punjabi Bhangra Dance Group to perform bhangra at the Baptist Church International Night.

Who knew they would become so popular in Rockhampton after performing at the CQU Open Day and Multicultural Fair last year.

Punjabi Bhangra is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the state of Punjab, India.

Punjab is the land of 5 rivers. Bhangra has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with genres such as hip-hop, house, and reggae. As bhangra continues to move into mainstream culture, an understanding of its history and tradition helps to appreciate it.

All the boys in the group have been performing on stage for 10 or more years now.

They have performed at various community events in Rockhampton, including the Baptist Church International Dinner Night, CQU Multicultural Fair and CQU Open Day in Rockhampton, ABC Capricornia's Arts in the Park, Harmony Day celebrations and other functions conducted by Central Queensland Multicultural Association.

Recently the Group performed at the Relay for Life Function held in the CQU grounds (pictured). They were a huge favourite and performed 5 times during the whole day event. The performance was supported by different ethnic groups and there must have had an audience of over 100 people.

The group has grown since it first started receiving support from the wider community and in particular the Indian student community in the University.

The members say it is just amazing to be coming from a different cultural background and being accepted so widely in the community. It shows multiculturalism both within the University and in the wider community.

The team will be back again this year performing at the CQU Open Day.