This was the first tech rehearsal for this year’s Diwali Showcase — an event that has been months in the making. Diwali, South Asia’s festival of the lights, is the biggest holiday in South Asia, and is celebrated by millions worldwide.

WashU’s Asian American Association (AAA) and Ashoka, WashU’s South Asian Student Association, are bringing the festivities to campus on Saturday, Oct. 25; the two groups are teaming up to host the annual fireworks show outside of the Danforth University Center (DUC). 

This past weekend, Ashoka, WashU’s South Asian Student Association, put on its annual Diwali show in Edison Theater. This year’s theme was Rang & Rhythm. The performance is the result of the practice and hard work of a variety of student groups, as well as the coordination efforts of Ashoka executives.

Ashoka’s executive board released a statement on Monday night outlining their plans for accountability after public outcry about this year’s Diwali skit.

The Association of Black Students continued their 2020 Black History Month programming series, Feb. 25 in the Orchid Room, with the third annual “Black Talks, Black Thoughts,” which offered students and faculty the opportunity to give a 10 minute presentation on any topic of their choosing.

Ekta, a South Asian discussion group, hosted “Stop Genocide in India: A Student Demonstration,” to raise Washington University’s awareness of rising fascism and Islamophobia overseas Feb. 20.

Dancing, expression, fashion, music and skits will all combine at the Diwali showcase this weekend, Nov. 8 and 9. Diwali, a typically Hindu festival celebrated by individuals across the South Asian diaspora, started on Sunday, and the holiday will last throughout this week. Ashoka, the South Asian Student Association at Washington University, puts on their annual showcase of the same name.

Student Union confirmed this year’s official speaker list for the Trending Topics Speaker Series, taking an unprecedented number of proposed speakers off the waitlist.

“Unbreakable Kaira Shree” was exhibited this past weekend at Edison Theatre and featured performances from Wash. U. groups, as well as a fashion show and a philanthropy presentation.

April is South Asian Heritage Month, and Washington University Ashoka is celebrating with the theme “Representation: South Asian Creators Going Against the Grain” and Washington University’s College Prep Program Graduation will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22 in Emerson Auditorium.