Last year, while sorting through their storage locker, Indian Cultural Association (ICA) members found fliers from 2008 advertising an event titled “Jashan,” which translates to “celebration” in Hindi. After deciding to bring back the event and months of preparation, Jashan made its reappearance at the William C. Powers (WCP) center on Oct. 18.
The show included performances from Indian classical and Bollywood fusion dance teams, a South Asian fusion acapella group and soloists who showcased Indian dance, instrumental and vocal performances. Afterwards, attendees and performers participated in activities such as getting henna done and competing in a sari draping competition.
ICA co-president Khushi Puri said Jashan highlighted India’s various dance and singing styles and showcased different aspects of Indian culture through the performances.
“Our performers are very diverse in the Indian subcontinent. A lot of them are from the south, north and different (Indian regions),” radio-television-film senior Puri said. “We opened up applications … for our performers because we wanted to show their culture within Indian culture.”
Tanvi Muppala, computer science freshman and Jashan henna artist, said she enjoyed the event and found it exciting that her henna designs appealed to the attendees.
“A lot of guys wanted to get their names put on with henna in their own native languages. I did a couple of names in Hindi and thought (it) was cool that not just girls were interested,” Muppala said.
Aryan Jain, ICA co-president and computer engineering senior, said putting the event together came with many challenges, such as having a small board, but they pushed through.
“We had like a timeline to follow with our marketing or Instagram posts, and (had to get) our supplies in order,” Jain said. “I think just sticking to our schedule was the biggest thing to make sure this event turns out the way we want.”
Evan Rama, business sophomore and Jashan marketing collaborator, said Jashan proves unique because UT houses several South Asian clubs, but many serve as dance-related organizations and do not host entire events dedicated specifically to Indian culture.
“I think (Jashan) will connect students, even non-Indians, and bring them in (to) get a good picture of what we do and how our culture works,” Rama said.
Muppala said non-Indian students should attend campus events like Jashan to learn more about South Asian cultures.
“Even if you’re not Indian it’s important to explore new cultures. You can learn about the food, the traditions. … If you’re curious, you should come,” Muppala said. “Show up … It’s fun to explore different cultures and learn about what they really embrace.”
