Students in the nearly three-hour show performed traditional garba, raas and bhangra dances, as well as Bollywood fusion and hip hop.

The performance, hosted by Ashoka, occurred three times Friday and Saturday, raised almost $2,100 for Jaipur Foot, an organization that provides prosthetic limbs for amputees in India and other countries, Priyanka Patel, co-cultural chair for Ashoka said.

Both the Friday and Saturday night shows were completely sold out. Only a few tickets remained for the Saturday matinee performance.

”It was very well-attended. It ended up being very fun; the skit was very funny. We were trying to make it more applicable to the audience as a whole,” Patel said.

In addition to numerous traditional and modern dances, each show featured a performance by AC/Desi, a group of student singers and musicians who perform hit Bollywood songs, a candle lighting ceremony and a fashion show.

While in the past only the senior class had its own individual dance, this year the freshman, sophomore and junior classes had their own dances as well. All of the performances were scattered throughout the overarching skit.

“I really enjoyed it; the dancing was excellent. What I really liked was how they brought in the tradition and the charity and everything so it felt like I was going to more than just a dancing show,” senior Jennifer Lapp said.

At the show, members of the Ashoka executive board voiced their hopes to spread South Asian culture throughout campus in a way that gets everyone involved.

Some students noted they were pleased with the event’s inclusiveness.

“I thought it was great, I really liked the theme,” sophomore Ahkianne Wanliss said. “It was really down-to-earth, easy for everyone in the audience to relate to—and not just the Indian students here…people put in a lot of time for it and did a great job.”

Ashoka members also used the occasion to express their group’s goal for the coming year: to build a stronger community within both Ashoka and the University as a whole.

With additional reporting by Lauren Olens and Michael Tabb.

Matt Mitgang | Student Life

Juniors Shweta Joshi and Sumi Garg lead a line of classical dancers during this year’s Diwali celebration, which was voted the best student-run performance by Student Life readers in 2010.

Every November, Wash. U. students are treated to a night of dance, music and theater at Diwali, presented by Ashoka, the South Asian student association. It took about 200 students practicing for four hours a day for weeks in the middle of midterm season to produce last November’s Diwali. Watching the show, it was clear how much care was put into every aspect of the performance. The fashion show was appropriately goofy. Sur Awaaz, Wash. U.’s co-ed Hindi a cappella group, deserves props for seamlessly mixing Jay Sean’s “Down” into “Jashn-e-Bahara.” That being said, this year’s Raas dance absolutely stole the show, with its mixture of fluid dance moves and highly skilled (and shiny) dandiya twirling.

Senior Monis Khan’s skit, “Love in the Time of Partition,” was the show’s connective tissue. Following a series of party-seeking events, the main characters find themselves travelling back in time to 1947, the year of partition between India and Pakistan.

“It’s surprising how popular Diwali was because of how foreign the subject matter of the show is, but it’s a testament to the quality of the performance and how much people invested themselves in creating it,” Khan said.

We have to agree. Until next fall, Diwali.

Cedric Huchuan Xia | Student Life

Students perform in Diwali in Nov. 2009. Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights,” celebrates the victory of good over evil. Diwali’s first performance is Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Edison Theatre.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights,” celebrates the victory of good over evil. During the five-day holiday, small clay lamps are lit; these lamps are called “diyas,” and each represents an individual’s inner light that shines in the face of evil.

At Washington University, Diwali is a dance, musical and theatrical performance. There will be a fashion show and performances by the Pikers and Sur Awaaz, Wash. U.’s co-ed Hindi a cappella group.

The show is put on annually by Ashoka, the South Asian student association. The group turns the traditionally Hindu, Jain and Sikh holiday into a multicultural celebration.

“What makes us most proud of our show is that many people from different backgrounds and cultures do participate in our show, making it a very diverse and holistic experience for everyone,” said senior Priya Nagarajan, Ashoka’s co-cultural chair.

Nagarajan wants to share the occasion with the whole Wash. U. community. Each act represents a different South Asian culture through song and dance. Also, the show will incorporate holidays from other religions, like Eid ul-Fitr, a three-day Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan.

Lily Schorr | Student Life

Diwali’s acts are tied together by an interwoven story. Although Ashoka has been fairly tight-lipped about this year’s play, the group has let some details slip. This year’s show is titled, “Love in the Time of Partition,” which is a reference to the 1947 Partition of India, when India and Pakistan became two independent states.

Senior Monis Khan, the play’s writer and director, is a first-generation American. Since his great-grandparents lived in India and his parents are from Pakistan, it’s fitting that “Love” explores the tension between Indian Hindus and Pakistani Muslims at the time of the Partition.

In the story, four present-day Wash. U. students travel to Pakistan for vacation. However, the students meet a mysterious girl on their journey who sends them back to the year 1947. The protagonists find themselves in the middle of a violent clash between Hindus and Muslims on the night of both Diwali and Eid.

“The play is a celebration of both holidays, but, unfortunately, as we’ve seen in different times in history, it’s a night that leaves people vulnerable to ethnic violence,” Khan said.

The plot will harp on the theme of good versus evil, but this year’s story will also discuss the role that antiquated stereotypes play in our society.

“What we’re really talking about is how the stereotypes that grew out of the Partition affect South Asians to this day,” Khan said. “The turmoil of 1947 is relevant to how we socialize today. You think we’ve moved on, but we really haven’t. We have to talk about it; we have to confront it.

“Only through confronting these stereotypes with tact and comic relief can we challenge the foundation upon which they are rooted. By challenging our notions of the other, we can create a meaningful dialogue that will hopefully alleviate the cultural tension that still exists.”

The theme may seem heavy, but rest assured, the story promises to remain comical, even as it spurs dialogue.

When is it again?

Performances are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 6:30 p.m. at Edison Theatre. See you there!

Dance Marathon, an annual 12-hour dance-a-thon, raises thousands of dollars every year for St. Louis area hospitals. Diwali, the five-day Indian holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, is the subject of a yearly performance put on by Ashoka, the South Asian student organization.

(Evan Wiskup | Student Life)

Ashoka puts on Diwali’s three installments in the same weekend—all of which have sold out in the past few years.

In 2004, Dance Marathon was moved from the spring to the fall in an effort to encourage freshman floors to participate together and enjoy a greater bonding experience earlier in the year.

Neither group has much control over determining the date of its event. Edison Theatre establishes the dates for Diwali, while the Athletic Complex chooses them for Dance Marathon.

As soon as this year’s event dates were announced last spring, the two groups  joined forces to better prepare for the fall’s hectic weekend.

“I really had no concern. It was just a matter of ensuring there was open communication [between the groups],” said junior Manjaap Sidhu, co-president of Ashoka.

Representatives from Dance Marathon echoed Sidhu’s confidence.

“The two groups are really working together, and we’re trying to maximize our outreach and the relationship between the two groups as well,” said senior Andrew Seidl, executive director of Dance Marathon.

The groups’ executives will meet on Oct. 2 to iron out the details of their plans.

“We’re trying to make sure that anyone who’s interested in both events can do both events,” Seidl said.

(Evan Wiskup | Student Life)

Ideas for alleviating the overlap of events include giving residential advisors tickets specifically for the Friday and Saturday morning Diwali shows to ensure that as many freshmen as possible can attend both events.

Traditionally, Diwali’s Saturday night show is the one with the greatest number of parents in attendance, which means the impact on attendance due to Dance Marathon would not be too drastic.

Last year, 800 registered dancers attended Dance Marathon and a couple hundred more showed up.

In addition, Dance Marathon has moved its time to 3 p.m. to leave room for the 12 p.m. Diwali show.

In the past, Dance Marathon has taken place the weekend before Diwali, meaning that dancers who participate in Diwali often cannot attend the Dance Marathon due to dry runs and dress rehearsals.

Because the two events overlap on the same day this year, Diwali participants will have some time in between the Saturday shows. Ashoka has encouraged the dancers to drop by Dance Marathon during their breaks.

The only worry for the Dance Marathon executive board, however, is the number of people who hold off on registration for the fundraiser because they wish to participate in Diwali.

“I think that with joint PR, we can counter that effect,” Seidl said. “There obviously will be a lot of people who want to try out.”

Still, each year there are more students who do fundraising for Dance Marathon but do not show up, as well as students who do not register but come to the dance-a-thon.

Ashoka is also offering discounted tickets to the Dance Marathon executive board, though the board will be unable to attend due to planning.

The Dance Marathon board is also considering an early check-in for Dance Marathon dancers Saturday morning show so that they can leave immediately following the Saturday morning show.

Though some people will have to choose between participating in one event or the other, both still remain worthwhile opportunities, students say.

“They’re events that are held for really good causes, and Diwali in particular, because it’s a cultural event,” senior Brandy Randall said. “It’s a good chance for people to get exposed to a culture that they may or may not have had exposure to previously, and also exposes them to our cultural arts department.”

Randall, who is an RA for a freshman floor, is similarly positive about Dance Marathon.

“Dance Marathon is something that is an activity that a lot of students on campus are passionate about, and that passion usually starts their freshman year when they are first exposed to what the program is,” she said.

Despite the work of both groups to coordinate their schedules, some students still believe the competition may have negative impacts on the programs.

Dance Marathon and Diwali organizers, however, say they think the two events will maintain their positions as prominent traditions at the University, even with the scheduling overlap.

“This is something we all participate [in] and are a part of that makes Wash. U. unique and you’re not going to find [that] anywhere else,”  Sidhu said.

Members of the Ashoka and Dance Marathon executive boards have met multiple times and are making the best of this opportunity to work together. By combining the strengths of these two campus traditions, we will ensure that each event is more successful than ever due to this collaboration.

Both student groups are excited about this chance to help each other out. Some actions under consideration right now are to:

• Encourage Dance Marathon participants to attend the Friday night Diwali performance, so they are energized and ready to go for Dance Marathon the next day.
• Have Diwali dance groups perform at Dance Marathon’s annual Dance-In, which will be held Thursday 10/22 and Friday 10/23.
• Have a Dance Marathon check-in station at Edison Theater before the Saturday morning Diwali performance so that Dance Marathon participants can easily go straight from the Edison Theater to the Athletic Complex in time for Dance Marathon Opening Ceremonies.
• Distribute PR materials promoting both Dance Marathon and Diwali.

We would like to encourage the Washington University community to participate in and/or attend both events. With the exception of those who are participating in the skit or one of the major dances in Diwali and the Dance Marathon Executive Board, anyone who wants to experience both events can do so without any hesitation; both groups will continue to work together to ensure that the weekend of November 6,7, and 8 will be one of the best weekends of the fall semester!

Please feel free to contact us for any information regarding this overlap. We would all be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks so much!

Neha Agarwal and Minti Shah
Co-Cultural Chairs, 2009 Ashoka Executive Board

Andrew Seidl
Executive Director, Dance Marathon 2009

Bauhaus
Hosted by the architecture school, the Bauhous party takes place under a 120-foot by 160-foot tent on the Givens Hall parking lot in spirit of the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s and 1930s.

“It’s a costume party in a giant tent. Everyone comes and has a lot of fun. It’s a really good party with a DJ and a lot of people, and definitely one of the best experiences you’ll have as a Wash. U. student.”
- Junior Aric Skurdal

Beta Bubbles
A party hosted by Beta Theta Pi where students dance in the bubble-filled basement of the Beta Theta Pi House.

“Last year there were about 850 people, so it’s a very popular event. Everyone looks forward to it and enjoys it a lot—that’s why we continue to do it. It’s a very different atmosphere from any other party and very unique.”
- Junior Tristan Sopp, Beta Theta Pi recruitment chair

Carnaval
A Latin festival with dances from Latin America and Spain in recognition of experiences and challenges faced by Latinos.

“There’s a small Latino presence on campus. It’s great to see our culture magnified on campus. We’re really proud of the turnout that we have every year. It’s always a great show with vibrant colors and slamming tunes. We hope all the freshmen come out to see it this year!”
- Senior Vicky Rodriguez

Dance Marathon
After fundraising throughout the fall, students gather for a 12-hour dance-a-thon with music, performances, competitions and games to raise money for the St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.

“It’s one of the greatest events, because you get to meet the Miracle kids and their families. You hear their stories and it’s really inspiring, because so many people work together for a great cause. My favorite part is after the 12 hours [of dancing] when they reveal the numbers—it’s a great feeling to see how much money you’ve raised.”
- Senior Jenny Sha

Diwali
A cultural show put on by the South Asian Student Association with skits, dances, and songs.

“The cultural experience is really cool. You learn a lot of stuff you didn’t know about. It’s cool getting to know different people. It’s a different experience every year.”
- Junior Shobhit Vishnoi

First 40 Days
An exciting series of events designed especially for freshmen. Events include the SUp all Night, which is hosted by Student Union in the D.U.C., where students can grab a snack, dance salsa, watch a movie, play bingo, rock to guitar hero and meet new friends; the Symphony on the South 40, a concert put on by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with special outdoor dining; and the Taste of Wash. U., a non-profit event where students pay $2 for an appetizer and $3 for an entrée from any of 20-25 featured restaurants.

“I love the first few weeks of school when everyone gets back. People haven’t seen each other in a while; schoolwork is light. It’s a great time.”
- Senior Jared Berkowitz

Give Thanks Give Back
Students donate gifts to needy families in support of the group “100 Need-iest Cases,” which battles poverty during the holiday season.
“It’s a very hands-on activity. You feel like you’re actually helping out. You get to wrap presents. It brings the community together. They put on holiday songs and it’s open to anyone.”
- Junior Tina Wang

Holi
A huge mud fight on the South 40 swamp put on by the South Asian Student Association.
“Pretty awesome experience at Wash. U. Most campuses don’t have the experience to throw tens of thousands of water balloons at each other.”
- Junior Matt Vail

Moonlight Breakfast
A free breakfast buffet that used to be offered in Center Court [now the new South 40 House] during the start of every reading week from 10 p.m. to midnight.
“It’s an awesome brunch, because it’s free and brunch is my favorite meal. Also, teachers and administrators help serve. It’s fun to watch them make pancakes. But get there early, because the line is long!”
- Senior Micah Anderson

Red Alert
A spirited fan group for Wash. U. athletics that is open to all students. Members are eligible to attend exclusive events, compete for prizes and receive T-shirts, pizza, headbands and other free stuff.
“Red Alert helps to create a great atmosphere to play under. There’re fans cheering under you. That’s a big push for you to win. I think any sport can say that Red Alert is vital to create a competitive environment.”
- Senior Janice Evans, women’s basketball team captain

Rush
Rush occurs in January during the week before classes begin. Interested students meet with sororities and fraternities for a formal recruitment process.

ThurtenE Carnival
The oldest student-run carnival in the United States, with rides, games and musical productions in themed façades. Greek organizations compete for the Burmeister Cup for best carnival participation.

Vertigo
An all-school party with LED lights hosted by the Engineering Student Council featuring a large-scale, light-up, computer-controlled dance floor.

“Vertigo is a unique event because it’s rare that you can find a place to listen to house music and get the feeling of being at a club with your friends while still being safe on campus. Lopata Gallery is also a great location for the event.”
- Senior Vicky Rodriguez

W.I.L.D [Walk In Lay Down]
A huge concert held every semester by Team 31 on the Brookings Quad featuring famous local bands, recording artists and musical groups.
“My favorite was when the Ben Folds came. It’s a lot of fun, because you’re with all your friends. It was probably one of my best memories. It was pouring rain and everyone was just sliding around. I always look forward to the day when they announce the bands that are coming. They try to keep it as much of a secret as possible. There’s a lot of anticipation.”
- Senior Clint Morgan

Diwali, the annual “celebration of lights” festival, is among the most successful cultural shows during the school year. It is held in Edison Theatre every fall semester.

Tickets to the mid-November event are highly sought after, and in most cases, are quickly sold out after ticket sales begin. Every year numerous people who want to attend the show are left out.

In previous years, students camped out in front of the Edison Theatre box office for hours to get tickets to the shows.

According to Manjaap Sidhu, the public relations chair for Ashoka, a new system of distributing tickets to Diwali, announced on Oct. 16, was devised with the help of Edison Theatre Operations Manager Bill Larson.

With the new system, every residential adviser must turn in a complete interdepartmental purchase order (IPO) on Nov. 2 between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m to an Ashoka representative standing at the bottom of the grand staircase in the Danforth University Center.

The IPO must contain the Residential Advisor’s (RA) name, phone number, the total number of tickets, total amount of money and show choices.

A lottery will then be used to decide the order in which RA tickets are distributed. Turning in an IPO earlier or later within the given time frame will not increase or decrease the chances of receiving tickets. Ashoka will randomly select RAs until all but twenty-three seats are filled for each of Diwali’s three showings.

RAs must go to the Edison Theatre Box Office after 1 p.m. on Nov. 6 to see whether they were selected for tickets in the lottery.

“If they were selected from the lottery, that RA will get an envelope of the tickets they requested. If that RA did not get selected from the lottery, he or she will have their IPO returned to them,” Sidhu wrote in an e-mail to Student Life. “Again, the time at which you come to the box office does not affect whether or not you get tickets and every RA that turned in an IPO must come to the box office, whether or not they got tickets.”

If an RA is not selected in the lottery, their residents must buy tickets set aside for the general public on Nov. 7.

Students however, have criticized these ticket distribution changes, saying that it is unfair that RAs are the first to have access to the tickets and that the general student population is allotted a minimal number of tickets.

“Just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder to get tickets,” junior Nick Burns said. “Since I fall into the general public, where’s the guarantee that I can even get a ticket? There’s not much room for the rest of us.”

Additionally, in the past, students have also complained about the long lines associated with purchasing Diwali tickets.

Ashoka believes the new “Diwali lottery” will help to alleviate the long lines for those living within Residential Life housing. Those who are not living within ResLife housing will have to stand in line as in years past.

Students have recommended that Ashoka further investigate other methods of distribution, particularly online ticket distribution.

Online ticket distribution, however, is against Edison Theatre policy and consequently is not a method that will be considered.

“We understand that a need for reform has been constantly demanded. After talking things over, we believe this slight change with the lottery tickets will ease the situation,” Sidhu said.