The University's Indian Student Association had its first Bhangra Night in 10 years Saturday evening. Malak Shah, ISA president, said Bhangra is a dance that originated in Punjab, which is a state in north India. "Bhangra is a lot like Indian hip-hop," Shah said. "It's a dance that makes people go crazy and want to get up on their feet and jump around." "This event is so important to us," he said. "I feel like we're bringing a really important tradition back to LSU." The ISA provided food and drinks at the event, which took place at the University's International Cultural Center. Many students and their families attended the function and performed traditional Indian dances. Venu Varukolu, graduate student from Andhra Pradesh, India, said he is proud the ISA had its Bhangra Night. "[Bhangra] is a celebration of the new farming season in India," he said. "It's a dance that says, 'Welcome to spring.'" Varukolu said there are also many other reasons for Bhangra dances other than the introduction of spring. Shah said there was a good turnout, especially with this being the first one in 10 years. "My main aim is to have diversity with functions like this," Shah said. "We don't want to exclude anyone from our functions." Crystal Legendre, general studies senior, said this is the first ISA event she has been to. "My roommate is Indian, and she invited me to come to Bhangra," she said. "It's a lot of fun, and it's cleaner than some other parties I've been to." Shah said the ISA is planning many other events that all students are invited to. More information can be found at www.lsu.edu/icc.
----- Contact Michelle Mathew at mmathew@lsureveille.com
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