Diwali Background
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Co-Cultural Chair Contact Info:
Tripti Soni and Karuna Tirumala:
ashoka.coculturals@gmail.com
Diwali is a major Hindu holiday known as the “Festival of Lights” and it has been celebrated not only by Hindus, but by Jains and Sikhs as well all across India. It is a celebration in which small clay lamps, or diyas, are lit by people in order to represent the inner light that each individual possesses in order to outshine the darkness that individuals may experience. Thus, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Diwali is also traditionally celebrated by exchanging sweets and presents which serve as good omens for luck and prosperity in the coming year.
At Washington University, Diwali is is one of the most widely celebrated and largest student-run productions on campus. The festival is celebrated with a major show in Edison Theater, with tickets selling out every year. Diwali is run by Ashoka, the South Asian Student Association, and it has been a strongly rooted tradition at WashU for the past 21 years. The Diwali show not only draws in a diverse audience, but also attracts participants of many different backgrounds, making the show an integrated experience of cultures. While Diwali itself is a Hindu holiday, at WashU it is celebrated as a fusion of South Asian cultures. The show typically begins a welcoming with diya lights followed by an assortment of major dances (including bollywood fusion, bhangra, garba, and raas), a fashion show, individual acts, and a skit that weaves the acts together, tying them all to the major themes of Diwali.
Of course, the Diwali program at WashU is a collage of sorts: it is comprised of a number of individual events in which people can take part. A description of each event follows:
Chahaat (Bollywood Fusion) – We are off to the land where love and passion swirl, to Bollywood! They make more movies than any film industry in the world. With sensual ladies and energetic men the story is one you will never see again. Well, unless, of course you know the usual Bollywood plot which is one its many fans think is rather hot.
Bollywood Fusion choreographer contact info:
Rahul Ghosh: rghosh@wustl.edu Shivani Mahapatro: smahapatro@wustl.edu
Garba - Gujarat brings us the garba dance too and these lovely women will bring it to you. The word “garba” comes from the words “garbha deep”. For the light in the temple, and the knowledge we keep. With a diya in the center to honor Ambaji, For she is the goddess of the Earth, you see, and a pattern of movement that runs circular, the garba is sure to cause a real stir!
Garba choreographer contact info:
Ambika Subramaniam: ambi1110@gmail.com, Shuby Priyadarshini: spriyadarshini@wustl.edu, Kalika Shah: kalika.shah@wustl.edu
Raas - Raas comes to use from a place far away, Gujarat, a state in Northern In-di-ay! Originating from the Hindu festival, Navratri The dancers circle each other playfully. They keep the beat with their dandiya sticks and dazzle your eyes with their fast-twirling sticks.
Raas choreographer contact info:
Rushangi Vakil: rvakil89@gmail.com, Priyanka Patel: pikuboo@gmail.com, Arnav Kejriwal: kejriwal.arnav@gmail.com, Abhi Basu: abhbas10@gmail.com
Bhangra - From the farms of Punjab ot the halls of the West Bhangra is a form that puts its dancers to the test. Its high-energy stunts and the fast beat of the dhol will remind us of its roots in the early harvest festival! The traditional folk songs and the upbeat sound Will show you why it’s traveled the world round. Now you know that, all that we can say is enjoy the dance, Balle Balle!
Bhangra choreographer contact info:
Vivek Ashok: vivek.ashok@wustl.edu, Arushi Bhalla: arushibhalla@wustl.edu, Gayathri Srinivasan: gayathri@wustl.edu