The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-NY-NJ-CT-NE) hosted the 42nd edition of its flagship cultural event, Dance Pe Chance (DPC), on February 7, 2026, at the Patriots Theatre at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey. The annual dance competition, one of the largest Indian American cultural events in the United States, was organised to commemorate India’s 77th Republic Day and the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

The event attracted more than 2,200 attendees, including diplomats, community leaders and members of the Indian diaspora. The evening began with the national anthems, followed by presentations outlining FIA’s mission and milestones.

DPC Chair Priti Ray-Patel reflected on the four-decade legacy of the competition, while FIA President Sreekanth Akkapalli highlighted the organisation’s achievements over the past year and acknowledged the role of volunteers. FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya spoke about the association’s continued efforts to unify and strengthen the Indian American community.

A key moment of the evening was the oath ceremony for FIA’s 2026 Executive Committee, administered by Consul General of India Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan. In his address, the Consul General commended FIA for expanding the scale and impact of Dance Pe Chance and outlined enhanced consular services available to the Indian diaspora. Deputy Consul General Vishal J. Harsh also attended and expressed support for FIA’s cultural initiatives.

The competition featured nearly 870 performers from 18 dance academies, presenting 31 performances across Minor, Junior, Senior and Adult categories. Participants showcased a blend of Indian classical, folk, Bollywood and contemporary dance styles.

The judging panel included actress Padmini Kolhapure, choreographer Supriya Doshi and classical dance exponent Antima Chakraborty. Their evaluations focused on choreography, thematic innovation and overall performance quality.

Production elements included a large LED backdrop, immersive lighting and elaborate costumes, enhancing the visual presentation of each performance. During the finale, over 100 volunteers were recognised for their contributions before winners were announced in categories such as Best Choreography, Thematic Innovation and Outstanding Spirit.

FIA leadership stated that Dance Pe Chance continues to promote cultural pride, youth leadership and intergenerational engagement within the Indian American community. Preparations have already begun for the 43rd edition scheduled for 2027.

About FIA:

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-NY-NJ-CT-NE) is one of the oldest and largest non-profit umbrella organisations representing Indian Americans in the northeastern United States. It conducts cultural, civic and community programmes aimed at preserving heritage, promoting unity and celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora.