Originating in the Indian states of Gujarat and Sindh, this ancient dance honors the Goddess Amba at the annual festival of nine nights called “Navarati.” Using sticks that are often brightly colored or embellished with bells and tassels, dandiya, the dance involves choreographed moves while hitting the sticks together to maintain a steady beat. Today, Raas has developed into a form of creative expression and a symbol of performing arts.

On March 1st, 2008, University of Miami Indian Student Association hosted the first ever Miami Mayhem. With the help of generous sponsors, the event was extremely successful with an audience of approximately, 1,000 individuals. Duke University’s innovative and energetic dance won the honor of the first place along with the $2,000 cash prize. Miami Mayhem’s success in its first year is promising for its future.

This year’s Miami Mayhem will take place during the weekend of March 6th, 2010. To begin the official weekend and to unite the competing teams from all over the nation, there will be a team mixer. The following day at the main event, eight university teams from all corners of the United States will compete for over $4,000 in cash prizes along with the opportunity to be ranked among the top Raas teams in the nation.