Food, festivities contribute to India Nite celebration

Sporting shiny sequined pants, four young children dance rhythmically on the stage. The performers change formations in front of a bright backdrop decorated with flowers. An older woman in traditional Indian dress smiles from a nearby table as she watches the children. India Nite 2008 is in full swing.

The event, held Sunday in the Centennial Ballroom in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's City Union, commemorates Diwali, the Festival of Lights. In Indian culture, Diwali is observed according to the lunar calendar and celebrates the victory of good over evil, as well as the homecoming of goodwill and faith after an absence.

Aarati Sarwade, a UNL industrial engineering graduate student, was a volunteer for the event.

"When I came to the United States, ISA (India Student Association) helped me a lot," Sarwade said. "They picked me up from the airport and found me a place to stay. I felt it was my turn to pay back their kindness."

Skits, songs and dances, both contemporary and traditional, were performed in celebration of Diwali. Dressed in a classic sari, Renu Thomas performed a traditional vocal solo. Immediately following the song, Isha Khanna, Ish Khanna, Arisha Sattar and Ramisha Sattar performed a modern hip-hop dance entitled "Mauja he Mauja."

During the intermission, dinner consisting of traditional Indian dishes was served. Entrees included chicken curry, vegetable korma, malai kofta and vegetable kadai. Gajjar halwa, a dessert made with carrots, sugar, almonds and pistachios was served along with mango lassi, a sweet soft drink.

Cassie Bajpeyi, a UNL graduate, attended India Nite for the first time on Sunday.

"My husband, who also graduated from the university, is from India," Bajpeyi said. "We decided to come and check out the event. We are having a great time."

Ravi Billa and Nidhi Mehta served as the masters of ceremonies for the evening. Mehta, a senior psychology major at UNL, is just beginning her involvement in ISA.

"At first I didn't want to - I thought I would be too nervous," Mehta said in regards to her master of ceremonies duty. Billa, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, said many people worked hard in producing India Nite 2008.

"We practiced a lot from the script," Billa said.

scoutrichters@dailynebraskan.com