uISA to host annual cultural event, Andaaz
For Spartan Bhangra member Raghav Tripathi, one of the important aspects of Andaaz is that its different performances highlight the diversity in Indian culture.
It’s time for Case Western Reserve University’s largest annual cultural show, Andaaz.
The show is hosted by the Undergraduate Indian Students Association and includes a variety of dance and singing groups. These include Dhamakapella, Spartan Bhangra, Case Western Nritya, CWRU Rasa, a South Indian dance performance, a Carnatic music performance and also the class dances, which include the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior Dances.
“Andaaz is a great way to celebrate how diverse India is,” said third-year student and member of Spartan Bhangra Raghav Tripathi. “Everyone thinks of India as of one nation with one culture, but there are so many of them. Seeing how diverse India is, makes it really cool to see how these forms of art have developed.”
Spartan Bhangra, one of the groups included in Andaaz, performs a traditional Indian dance called bhangra. It originated in the state of Punjab from India and Pakistan to celebrate the harvest. The group has modified it to fit with modern times and celebrate general happiness and camaraderie.
“As a first-generation Indian, it’s cool to know that we are the ones writing the history of Indian culture in America,” said Tripathi.
Andaaz will be hosted on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The event is free for all attendees.
