Lehnge and saris, salwarkameez and kurtas - students unfamiliar with these terms had a chance to get acquainted Saturday at India Night, the Indian Student Association's annual cultural celebration.
"The whole show is a little bit of everything," said Naazli Ahmed, former president of the Indian Student Association and current Student Association treasurer.
"It mixes contemporary and traditional, and American and Indian culture."
The show featured some traditional Indian dancing, mixed with more contemporary styles.
There was also a fashion show, a live band and comedy skits from UB students and members of the local Indian community.
Amherst town supervisor Susan Grelick issued a proclamation in honor of India Night, declaring April 5 "India Student Association Day" in Amherst.
"There is a lot of Indians that reside in the Amherst area and do hard work," said Ahmed. "It is great to see the ISA getting recognized like that."
The show opened with a performance of Iduthuapdam, a classical Indian dance from southern India in praise of Lord Natajara, the lord of dance.
"There are many reflective dances and songs from different parts of India," said Ahmed. "Different states have different dances."
The dances at India Night were not limited to the traditional - performers also danced to remixes of popular Hindi songs.
Comedy skits at India Night were also adjusted to contemporary Indian culture, as Kiran Sreepada, an electrical engineering major, performed "The Diwali Song," a parody of Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song."
"Britney Spears likes Indians, Jennifer Lopez does too, put them together in a room with me, and I am a lucky, lucky Hindu," sang Sreepada.
Girls modeled many traditional costumes during the fashion show, including lehnges, which are wedding attire for girls in India; long shirts and pants called salwarkameez; and the traditional sari.
Men modeled kurta pyjamas from India, as well as contemporary American suits.
"Indian Americans mix it up with what they see in terms of contemporary American culture," said Ahmed. "It is nice to see so many people getting involved and participating," said Ahmed.
This year's India Night attracted over twice as many people as previous years, according to Bobby Matthews, the host of the event.
According to Shaun Skariah, president of the Indian Student Association, the event is an avenue for people to learn more about Indian culture.
"India Night is not only a way that Indians from the community and school to celebrate our wonderful heritage, but it is our door to the university," said Skariah.
"India Night serves the purpose of educating all those who want to learn about our culture and we hope that after tonight you will greet these doors with a little more insight or an increased curiosity to learn more."
Maggie Cote, a freshman art history major who attended India Night, said the acts were so good she could not pick a favorite.
"The show was wonderful. I liked all of them," said Cote. "I will definitely come see it again."
Mahavi Patil, a sophomore psychology major, had several friends participating in India Night performances.
"I came here to support my friends and see how they will present Indian culture," said Patil.
"I came here to see my friends and find out more about Indian culture," said Ausin Leong, sophomore chemistry and biomedical pharmacology double major.
"I think this is a great way to learn about it," said Leong. "The style of dance is very interesting and unique."
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
