The Indian Student Association held the 29th annual “Diwali Mela” Nov. 22 in the Union Ballroom.

The event featured authentic Indian food as well as authentic singing and dance performances throughout the night.

University President Mary Ellen Mazey helped kick off the event with a speech regarding the event and how it helps spread diversity throughout the University.

“This is the culmination of International Week here at BGSU and I cannot imagine anything that would be more innovating than this event this evening,” Mazey said. “Part of the BGSU strategic plan is inclusiveness and appreciating diversity and that’s what we’re here tonight to celebrate and be a part of.”

Provost and Senior Vice President Rodney Rogers added the importance of celebrating Diwali Mela

on campus.

“What a great event this is,” Rogers said. “It’s one of the highlights of the academic year.”

The “festival of lights” featured a number of dance performances including a performance of Andhra Natyam by doctoral student Srihimaja Nandamudi. Andhra Natyam is an Indian classical dance that originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is a fusion of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance styles.

Poorna Roy, a doctoral student in photochemical sciences, performed a medley of Bollywood songs including a song from the Indian movie ‘Ek Villain’.

Sushmitha Ravikumar, a chemical engineering major at Ohio State, performed on the violin and keyboard and was welcomed with a standing ovation as her performance concluded.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity, I’m so happy to be here,” Ravikumar said. “It was definitely a privilege to be able to perform in front of you. I hope I was able to share some of my musical journeys and experiences with you all and I hope you learned something as well.”

The night concluded with an authentic Indian fashion show with many regions of India being represented including Gujarat, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. The participants wore traditional Indian clothing including the dhoti, kurta and saris.

The co-hosts of the event wrapped up the night by voicing their appreciation for attending and participating in Diwali Mela.

“We hope you take with you the love and warmth we have showed during this event. Thank you for joining in our celebration,” they said.