Diwali means more than dressing up in Indian attire, enjoying sweetmeats, and having fireworks and performances. It is a day to recall the story that has, for generations, affirmed India’s belief that knowledge and goodness prevail over the ignorance of power and corruption.

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.

“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.