By Andrea Fernandes
Features Assignment Editor
Students, faculty and members of the community gathered on Sept. 27 to celebrate the annual Bonagany festival. Groups and clubs were present at the event, promoting their image while also hoping to raise funds.
One group that stood out this year was Asian Students in Action (ASIA). The group performed a traditional Indian dance with an added Bollywood hip-hop flare. ASIA first performed at Bonagany last year.
Members of the group have hectic schedules, but they were committed to pulling together a performance for everyone to see.
“I think it went well considering that we are all very busy. It just shows the commitment the students have towards the group,” Nisha Patel, a sophomore biology major, said.
Having joined ASIA last year, Patel spoke of the excitement she felt after performing at Bonagany for the first time this year.
“Once we got everyone to gather around for the performance, it seemed like everyone loved it. I’m sure it was something very different for the people in this town,” Patel said.
Patel added that people at Bonagany were intrigued when they saw members of ASIA walking around in Indian dance attire. They were dressed in black, wearing gypsy pants, with colorful scarves tied around their waists. The scarves had coins attached which jingled as they walked and danced.
“Knowing that this is a predominantly white University, we try to inform other people of different cultures present within the university,” Patel said.
Performing at Bonagany allowed ASIA to show people of the local community the diversity that exists on campus. The group fundraised by doing henna tattoos which cost five to seven dollars each. Proceeds went toward funding upcoming ASIA shows and events. Prior to doing the henna tattoos, members of ASIA explained to customers what the henna tattoos are and why they are done. Hennas are traditionally done in India on holidays and special events.
“It’s a good exposure because a lot of people have never seen anything like us before, from the outfits, to the dances, to the henna tattoos, it’s something different for this community,” Patel said.
For those who missed the performance, there will be more chances to indulge in the culture. ASIA is currently preparing for their annual Diwali show in November.
