Ashoka understands the need to reform and overhaul the current system through which Diwali tickets are sold. Year after year, the organization has been lucky enough to receive the continued support of the Washington University community, and it is because of this enthusiasm and commitment that Diwali has become what it is today. Over the years, aspects of the show have changed to better reflect what the participants want, to make it as informative and entertaining as possible and to fulfill our mission as a student group. However, we do realize that one thing yet to be addressed is ticket sales.

In the past, this tradition was suitable as the demand was not as extreme as it is today. Camping out started because RAs decided to come early and make sure they got tickets. When RAs decided to camp out, a list was created and checked throughout the night in order to make the line process fair for those people already waiting. Part of our duty as an organization is to support those enthusiastic about the show, and therefore we made sure we were there with them throughout the night. Still, Ashoka as an organization never endorsed or invited people to camp out. At that time, there was no real concern about the process, because in the end everyone was bound to get a ticket.

In recent years, however, it has especially become an issue as more and more people have had to wait in line for long hours, unsure if they would even receive one ticket. As a student group putting on a large scale performance, our obligation is to get as many students as possible to come join in the experience of Diwali, and we have come to realize that under the current system, this becomes less and less of a reality over time.

On that note, this year, Ashoka has already approached Residential Life and RAs in general about their opinions and has begun to construct a new plan for ticket sales. Online ticket sales have already been discussed, but due to Edison policy, this service is unavailable.

Diwali is a celebration meant to bring people together, not create negative energy and conflict. Ashoka, just as any student group, is working to cater to all of its audience and general body while trying to be fair to the whole campus and the greater St. Louis community.