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.

“Diwali 2024: Rang and Rhythm” is the first show of the school year in the annual circuit of student-run cultural showcases taking place in Edison Theater. It is a massive production put on by Ashoka, WashU’s South Asian student association, in collaboration with many other student groups who perform in the show. The production is a collection of acts from a variety of different cultures in South Asia, which all fit together to make a lively and vibrant show that features over 200 students and staff members. 

Anticipation buzzed in the air as Edison theater filled to near-capacity on Friday evening for the opening performance of Diwali. 

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

Diwali, presented by Ashoka, celebrated its 30th anniversary this weekend with dancing, theatrics and music. This year’s performance marks decades of bringing a spectacle of sound, color and, most importantly, light to the Edison Theatre.

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.

This was the team’s first time placing in a competition in four years.

“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.

Over the weekend, Ashoka staged its 29th annual show for Diwali, the festival of lights in South Asian tradition. More than 200 Washington University students came together to perform and produce this year’s Diwali: “Unbreakable Kaira Shree.”

Sur Taal Laya’s signature style of arranging is to create mashups of Bollywood songs and popular English songs. This fusion creates beautiful sonic experiences that blend South Asian and American cultures.