ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ashoka brings Diwali Dhamaka to WashU Edison Theatre
The production features a showcase of Bhangra, Garba, Raas, Chahaat, and classical Indian dance forms.
-
1749497506.png)
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 31, Oct 2025
- 16:36 EDT
- 28
Students perform at the 2024 Diwali. More than 120 students are staging this year’s production at Edison Theatre. / Photo courtesy of Ashoka
Washington University in St. Louis will host the 36th annual Diwali production presented by Ashoka, the university’s South Asian student association.
The show, themed “Dhamaka” — a Hindi word meaning “explosion” or “blast” —, will be staged on Nov. 7 and 8 at Edison Theatre. It brings together more than 120 students in a celebration of music, dance, and performance.
Also Read: BJANA brings the spirit of Chhath Puja to New Jersey
This year’s production, directed by seniors Mythili Kartik and Sahil Soni, features a showcase of Bhangra, Garba, Raas, Chahaat, and classical Indian dance forms, along with a fashion show and a skit.
Both Kartik and Soni, who serve as co-cultural chairs on the Ashoka executive board, said the theme reflects the vibrant energy and self-assuredness of bringing South Asian traditions to a university stage.
“‘Dhamaka’ literally translates to an explosion, and it’s supposed to match that sentiment of being unapologetic about what we’re doing and who we’re celebrating,” Kartik told WashU News.
Kartik recalled first attending the show as a first-year student, homesick during the fall festival season. Seeing the performance inspired her to join the following year. “Watching the show, I was able to see that community and see how people were able to find that at WashU,” she said.
“It’s the community and support that feels the most like Diwali. It’s not necessarily the rituals, but the people doing these things, being loud, being proud of who they are.”
Soni, who first took the stage as a co-emcee before moving backstage, said his experience evolved into a passion for producing the event. “Being backstage and being part of the show was so much more fun than just watching it as an audience member,” he said.
The annual Diwali performance remains one of WashU’s most anticipated cultural events, often drawing packed audiences to the Edison Theatre. Each year, the student-run production combines traditional and contemporary South Asian art forms, using the stage to explore identity, belonging, and cultural pride within a campus setting.
Ashoka, which organizes the event, is known for promoting South Asian culture and fostering cross-cultural understanding through campus initiatives such as Diwali, South Asian Heritage Month, and Holi celebrations.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on, Nov. 7, and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on, Nov. 8. Tickets, priced at $12, are available through the Edison Theatre website.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login