An event that began with free admission at the Auditorium years ago has evolved into an annual attraction for more than 2,000 people.
The Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students will be hosting its annual Satrang show, which features pyrotechnics, skits, dances, music and a fashion show this weekend.
Satrang represents the seven colors of the rainbow uniting the states of India. The event’s theme is “A Mesmerizing Journey ...”
Preparation for the event began in November, with help from 10 coalition executive board members, about 15 choreographers and $25,000 from various university organizations.
Free tickets for the student section of the show are gone, but $12-15 tickets still are available.
Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the show, sitting on ledges and packing Wharton Center’s Great Hall.
Bindiya Shah, Satrang coordinator for the coalition, said the event features more than 200 participants during the two-and-a-half hour show.
“We are going to take Western culture and mix it with Indian culture,” the human biology senior said. “I think people are going to love it. It’s something totally different and new. People can come out and see something totally cultural.
“It’s not talking about culture, but showing it. The music is hype and loud. People will enjoy it, all ages and kinds of people.”
Manish Shah, social chairperson of the coalition, said attendees will have the opportunity to experience a showcase of Indian culture in various forms.
“What they can expect from the show this year is to see a cultural tradition and different varieties of culture from the Eastern side of the world,” the computer and electrical engineering sophomore said. “They can see Indian types of clothing, varieties and tastes mixed and blended with Western culture.”
But Shah said the event has a significant meaning for those participating.
“It’s really important for the Indian culture, because as we come to America, people lose their culture and traditions and leave them back home,” he said. “It’s important when we come to America to spread and keep aware of our culture and understand and learn about who we are as individuals. That’s why it’s important to have this show.”
Amit Agarwal, president of the coalition, said he thinks this year’s show will be successful.
“As of now, we have different things, like pyrotechnics, and new ideas this year that have never been done before, like a step show, which has never been done by our organization,” said the political economy senior. “It looks like it’s going to be one of the best ever.”
