By Alexandra Napoli
Staff Writer
Music, dancing and laughter filled the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts as ASIA, or Asian Students In Action, performed its annual Diwali Show Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a popular Hindu tradition. During the festival, Hindus celebrate a god, Lord Rama, returning from exile with candles, singing, dancing and, of course, food.
Every year, the Olean community, along with the SBU community, gathers in the Quick to see the Diwali Show performed in a unique way. This year, ASIA decided to create a play about love, heartbreak and friendship.
The story was narrated by the two masters of ceremony, Krishna Kanneganti and Sulaiman Muflahip, who provided humorous entertainment. The story was interrupted only by the music and dancing of the ASIA members, alongside a few members of the Hip-Hop Team. Colorful and authentic clothing followed the dancers’ every moves. They performed traditional Indian dances, mixed with a few American songs and dance moves.
Before the show, Ashley Joseph, a junior Spanish major, encouraged students, faculty and staff to see what the Diwali Show had to offer.
“I’m a dancer in the show, and it’s my third year doing this,” Joseph said. “It’s a really great opportunity for people to experience a different culture other than their own and listen to cool music that may be different or new. We’re also providing food; it should be a fun time.”
The audience’s reaction did indeed prove it was a fun time. During intermission, freshman biology major, Adelaide Hahn expressed her excitement.
“This is really cool because I’ve never been to a Diwali celebration or anything like this,” Hahn said. “Besides learning a little in high school, I don’t really know much about it, so this has been really interesting for me.”
Through the laughter, beautiful dancing and colorful scenery, the audience was able to grasp the true values of the Hindu religion.
Although the Festival of Lights revolves around the Hindu religion and mainly the Indian culture, it was not difficult for people of other beliefs and races to relate to the themes and values the Diwali Show presented, including crazy, loving mothers and taking care of a best friend.
“I definitely think everyone took something from this performance, whether it was a lesson learned, a realization or just a fun time,” said Alison Thomas, a freshman marketing major.
Knowing the Festival of Lights is one of Hinduism’s most anticipated celebrations, ASIA did not disappoint. This year’s Diwali Show was just as successful and enriching as the shows that came before it.
“I’m really happy I came this year,” said Ben Marcus, a freshman undecided business major. “The music was great and the entire room had an upbeat atmosphere; it made everyone really happy.”
