The Krewe da Bhan Gras is an example of this. The group, made up of about 50 people from across the South Asian diaspora, debuted last year to much fanfare, performing traditional Indian dances set to modern music in vibrant costumes along the parade route — think Bollywood meets Mardi Gras. The Krewe da Bhan Gras was founded last year to, quote, "put the masala in Mardi Gras," according to their slogan. For Dhand, a South Asian Mardi Gras krewe just made sense. DHAND: It was quite a The krewe only officially formed in mid-December, but its members found time to “put the masala in Mardi Gras,” as the group’s motto riffs, bringing a confluence of New Orleans and South Asian cultures to their quickly assembled debut parade. The Krewe da Bhan Gras is an example of this. The group, made up of about 50 people from across the South Asian diaspora, debuted last year to much fanfare, performing traditional Indian dances The Krewe da Bhan Gras is an example of this. The group, made up of about 50 people from across the South Asian diaspora, debuted last year to much fanfare, performing traditional Indian dances set to modern music in vibrant costumes along the parade route — think Bollywood meets Mardi Gras. Krewe da Bhan Gras, a walking group celebrating Indian and other South Asian traditions, started parading in Boheme in 2023 — making a splash with their infectiously fun dances to upbeat The Krewe da Bhan Gras is an example of this. The group, made up of about 50 people from across the South Asian diaspora, debuted last year to much fanfare, performing traditional Indian dances set to modern music in vibrant costumes along the parade route — think Bollywood meets Mardi Gras. The Krewe da Bhan Gras was founded last year to, quote, "put the masala in Mardi Gras," according to their slogan. For Dhand, a South Asian Mardi Gras krewe just made sense. DHAND: It was quite a It's Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, and time to meet a South Asian dance group putting its own spin on the celebration. Think Bollywood meets Mardi Gras. The Krewe da Bhan Gras was founded last year to, quote, "put the masala in Mardi Gras," according to their slogan. For Dhand, a South Asian Mardi Gras krewe just made sense. DHAND: It was quite a The Krewe da Bhan Gras is an example of this. The group, made up of about 50 people from across the South Asian diaspora, debuted last year to much fanfare, performing traditional Indian dances set to modern music in vibrant costumes along the parade route — think Bollywood meets Mardi Gras. Krewe da Bhan Gras represents the South Asian diaspora in New Orleans. Our krewe seeks to entertain and inspire parade goers with vibrant, upbeat, traditional Indian dance. The colors, music and energy of South Asia make a spectacular combination with Mardi Gras! One of the first Bollywood-inspired krewes will hit the streets tonight when the Krewe da Bhan Gras joins Krewe Boheme through the Marigny and French Quarter, highlighting South Asian culture in The Krewe da Bhan Gras was founded last year to, quote, "put the masala in Mardi Gras," according to their slogan. For Dhand, a South Asian Mardi Gras krewe just made sense. DHAND: It was quite a natural fit. You know, there's lots of bright colors and, you know, people are really excited. Vatican Lokey, better known locally as Professor Carl Nivale, stands on stage at the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in New Orleans on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Lokey has been covering Mardi Gras parades for more than 30 years for local TV and said the original Mardi Gras krewes started out just like the walking krewes of today. “South Asian clothes and textiles are so bright and colorful, and our dances are lively. It seemed like a natural fit with Mardi Gras.” The parade took the krewe’s 32 dancers and 10 support staff through the Marigny and French Quarter as crowds of thousands lined the streets. DREW HAWKINS, BYLINE: It's the final dress rehearsal for the Krewe da Bhan Gras, a South Asian Mardi Gras dancing group of about 50 people. Inside a community center, the crew is getting ready The Krewe da Bhan Gras was founded last year to, quote, "put the masala in Mardi Gras," according to their slogan. For Dhand, a South Asian Mardi Gras krewe just made sense. DHAND: It was quite a natural fit. You know, there's lots of bright colors and, you know, people are really excited. Founded in 2023, the coed Mystic Krewe Of Music rolls on the West Bank in Marrero with 250+ riders and 20 floats with musical themes. Their signature throw is a musical pillow. DREW HAWKINS, BYLINE: It's the final dress rehearsal for the Krewe da Bhan Gras, a South Asian Mardi Gras dancing group of about 50 people. Inside a community center, the crew is getting ready
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |