Ashoka Presents 36th Annual “Diwali Dhamaka” at WashU’s Edison Theatre

1 Nov 2025 St Louis 0 Comments

St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Washington University in St. Louis is set to light up the stage with its 36th annual Diwali celebration, presented by Ashoka, the university’s South Asian student association. The event, titled “Dhamaka” — a Hindi term that translates to “explosion” or “blast” — will take place on November 7 and 8 at the Edison Theatre.

Bringing together more than 120 performers, this year’s showcase promises a vibrant mix of Bhangra, Garba, Raas, Chahaat, and classical Indian dance forms, along with a fashion show and theatrical skit.

Directed by seniors Mythili Kartik and Sahil Soni, both co-cultural chairs of Ashoka, the production embraces the energy and confidence of celebrating South Asian heritage on a university platform.

“‘Dhamaka’ captures the essence of being bold and proud of who we are,” said Kartik in an interview with WashU News. “It’s about expressing joy and pride in our culture without hesitation.”

Kartik, who attended her first Diwali show as a homesick freshman, shared that the performance inspired her to get involved the following year. “Seeing the sense of community in that space made me realize that this is what Diwali is about — the people, the energy, and the shared celebration,” she said.

Soni, who started as a co-emcee before joining the production team, said his role behind the scenes deepened his passion for the event. “Being part of the team gave me a whole new perspective — it’s much more rewarding than just watching from the audience,” he noted.

The annual Diwali event is among WashU’s most popular cultural traditions, drawing full houses each year. The performance blends traditional and modern South Asian art, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and cultural pride within the university’s diverse community.

Ashoka continues to promote South Asian culture on campus through major initiatives such as Diwali, South Asian Heritage Month, and Holi celebrations, fostering cross-cultural understanding and unity.

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