The University of Idaho Argonaut

Few Americans have the opportunity to visit India, but for one evening, the University of Idaho will offer a concentrated glimpse into the colorful and exotic country.
Saturday night, the Indian Students Association will be hosting India Nite 2008.
The sold out event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday in the Student Union Building International Ballroom.

Tickets went on sale in the Idaho Commons on Monday and were completely sold out by Wednesday.
The theme for this year is Bollywood.
“Last year, we did well, so we have to keep up that expectation,” said ISA President, Jnana Manoj Appikonda. “We’re working hard on it, and we know that it goes good every year.”
ISA Vice President, Kamran Khan said the event sells out nearly every year, and that people trying to catch a ticket at the last minute are simply out of luck.

“Almost everybody comes, especially people who love and want to learn more about India — a lot of curious students,” Appikonda said. “The age group includes everybody. I hope it’s like that this year, too.”
This year’s India Night has been in planning for several months and the performers have been rehearsing heavily for nearly three weeks.

“They are very much excited,” Khan said. “They all have class and work but make it the most fun time of the day when they come to practice.”
Along with the five dances planned for this year, there will also be a skit written by Khan, about the various genres of Bollywood films (films produced in India, particularly in Mumbai).

“Every year, we have a different theme,” Khan said. “But we didn’t really last year, so we wanted to incorporate something clear, this time — that people would know about.”
The event, which has been around for 10 years, involves skits, traditional dance routines, and a menu of exotic Indian cuisine that has been put together and cooked by ISA members.

“Even though we are a small company,” Appikonda said, “we showcase a large amount of culture that most people aren’t aware of.”
Nearly all of the students associated with ISA are foreign born Indian students who have only been in the U.S. for a few years. There are between 50 and 55 members, and roughly 30 or 40 of them are directly involved with the production of Indian Night.

“It is the main event of the year, where we can show everything from how we dress and walk, to the cultural things we practice in India,” Appikonda said.
The ISA also participates in various cultural showcase events on campus throughout the year.
Earlier this month, their booth was voted the “second best stall” for Cruise the World 2008.
Khan said that India Night is predominantly put on by the ISA alone, but that they are “grateful for the ASUI’s funding and for the help of UI students and faculty.”