History & Milestones
Foundation
The Punjabi Folk Dance Association Brisbane is the first umbrella organisation for cultural organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Initial efforts were taken by various cultural organizations in January 2023. Founding organisations involved in early discussions: Surtaal Academy, Hip Hop Gold Coast, Folk
Blasters and Hunner E Regents Park.
Formation
The first official meeting was held in Rochedale on 25 March 2023, at which the name "Punjabi Folk Dance Association" was formally decided. The association was subsequently registered as Punjabi Folk Dance Association Brisbane Inc on 20 March 2024.
During the one-year period between the founding meeting and official registration, prospective member organisations held folk dance events to prepare for and promote upcoming competitions.
Unification
The second official meeting was held on 14 April 2024 to welcome additional member organisations. Groups from Brisbane and surrounding areas attended; however only the Ipsaa Group agreed to join at that stage.
Sarbjeet Sohi took the initiative to expand membership further, and a reunion meeting was held at Indian Brothers, St. Lucia on 13 July 2024. The committee was reconstructed on that day under the leadership of President Rupinder Singh.
Integration
Representatives of affiliated organisations in management also served as coaches of their teams. They were unable to assist at the required level for volunteer work and procedures in the 2nd Giddha Cup.
For the 3rd Giddha Cup, management was divided into three parts:
Base Committee
Coaches and representatives of cultural institutions. Makes laws and frameworks.
Core Committee
Implements the laws and frameworks established by the Base Committee.
Advisory Board
Helps to implement laws and frameworks across the organization.
1st Giddha Cup 2024
Venue
St. John's Performing Arts Centre, Forest Lake
Date
24 July 2024
Powered by
Ipsaa Group (initial sponsorship of $4,000)
Chief Guests
Amar Noori & Sarbjit Mangat (jointly honoured)
Attendance
Sold-out event — 750+ seating capacity venue
Participation
24 teams across 5 categories in 3 age groups
Lifetime Achievement & Contribution Award: Manjit Boparai and Rashpal Heyar, recognised for their remarkable community services.
2nd Giddha Cup 2024
The meeting for the association's second term was held on 27 March 2025 at Bhalla's Indian Restaurant, Annerley. The 2nd Giddha Cup 2025 team is led by President Sunita Saini , with only female representatives nominated to the management committee.
Venue
Home of the Arts (HOTA), Surfers Paradise
Date
28 September 2025
Chief Guest
Satwinder Bitti
Attendance
Sold-out event — 1,100+ seating capacity venue
Participation
25 teams across 4 categories in 3 age groups
Lifetime Achievement & Contribution Award: Gurdeep Nijjar and Baldev Nijjar, recognised for their remarkable community services