Sunaad

Sunaad: Leading Lights of Navratri Garba & Dandiya

Achievements and Recognition

Sunaad is one of the foremost Garba and Dandiya ensembles in the US, especially renowned across the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia) region. Over the years, they have established a strong reputation for delivering authentic, spirited Navratri experiences, consistently drawing large and diverse audiences from the local and wider South Asian community. Their achievements include:

• Community Impact Sunaad is credited with expanding the reach of traditional Garba and Dandiya, making these folk celebrations accessible and engaging for both seasoned dancers and newcomers in the diaspora.


• Cultural Ambassadors Widely acknowledged as cultural ambassadors, the troupe is frequently invited to headline flagship Navratri and Dandiya Raas events, setting benchmarks for musical quality, crowd engagement, and inclusivity.


• Consistent Sell-Outs Their events often see tickets sell out in advance, a testament to their popularity and the high regard in which both the ensemble and their programming are held.


• Positive Media Attention Sunaad’s events and musicians have received extensive coverage in local and ethnic media for their role in uniting communities and preserving Gujarati folk traditions abroad.

Event and Tour History

• Number of Events Sunaad has headlined numerous Navratri Garba and Dandiya events in the US, with a particularly strong presence in the DMV area. Their annual flagship Garba night is regarded as a highlight of the season. In addition, they have been featured in large Indian cultural festivals, community gatherings, and youth organization celebrations.


• Touring Beyond the DMV Beyond their home base, Sunaad has also performed at Garba and Dandiya festivals in other US cities with vibrant Indian communities, participating in inter-state tours and special collaborations with other music groups.


• Appearances in India The group, or key talents within it, have been invited to perform Garba sets and collaborations at high-profile Indian festivals, adding an international dimension to their portfolio.


• Special Concerts Alongside mainstream Navratri events, Sunaad has organized themed Garba nights, all-ages Dandiya Raas, and musical showcases that blend Bollywood and folk, reflecting both innovation and respect for tradition.


• Longstanding Track Record Over their career, Sunaad has been a central force in more than a dozen headline events, with each season adding to their performance tally.

Awards and Acclaim

• Community Honors Sunaad has been regularly honored by regional associations and Indian cultural organizations for their service to arts and heritage.


• Leadership Recognition The group is lauded for its leadership in cultural preservation and education, particularly in bringing young people into the fold of Indian folk music.


• Audience Appreciation Their events are consistently rated highly for both musical quality and community ambience, cementing their reputation as leaders in Garba and Dandiya presentation.

Event Excellence

• Each Sunaad event is characterized by vibrant live music, inclusive participation, and meticulous attention to traditional Garba rituals.


• Their shows combine choreographed group dances with spontaneous crowd interaction, uplifting the spirit of celebration and togetherness.


• The ensemble embraces both classical Gujarati songs and popular Bollywood beats, offering something for everyone—from veteran Garba dancers to first-time participants.

Sunaad’s enduring significance lies in their ability to champion Indian folk arts, deliver memorable Garba and Dandiya Raas nights for thousands in the US and beyond, and earn accolades that recognize their impact as cultural connectors and keepers of tradition. Their successful track record and ongoing tours ensure their presence as a cornerstone of every festive Indian calendar in their adopted home and abroad.