Students of the Indian Subcontinent want the University to know that South Asia has more than one culture.
The countries of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Fiji, Maldives and Lakadives will be represented at Utsav, a celebration of South Asian culture Saturday at the University.
Food from the different countries will be served at 5 p.m. in the EMU Skylight Lounge, and will be followed by a presentation of traditional dances and a fashion show at 7:30 in the EMU Ballroom. Utsav means celebration in Hindi, and SIS Vice President Edwin Prasad said celebration is the central aspect of the event.
“We’re going to have a lot of good food and entertainment,” he said. SIS member Joy Nair said the celebration’s goal is to not focus on any one South Asian culture.
“There is no such thing (as one culture),” Nair said. The celebration is “a reflection of our culture.”
The diversity will be best represented by the different foods served at the event.
For example, in southern India, coconut milk is an important staple, while in the northern part of the country, tomatoes are commonly consumed. In coastal South Asian countries, seafood is a large part of the diet. There will also be many vegetarian dishes served because many Asians do not eat meat due to religious beliefs. Chicken will be the primary meat served.
Students will perform three traditional dances.

Bhangra, from northern India, is upbeat and features a lot of jumping.
“It’s a really celebratory type of dance,” Nair said.
Tapoori, taken from central India, depicts the life of lower-middle class college-age men — “just kickin’ it and chasing girls,” according to Nair.
Another unnamed classical dance will be performed. The traditional version involves dancers holding candles, but because fire is not allowed inside the EMU, flashlights will be used instead.
Following the performance, South Asian student volunteers will display traditional attire by parading around the ballroom stage.
SIS member Athar Jameeli, who is taking part in the fashion show, said students need to educate each other about their cultures.
“People don’t get to see a lot of Indian functions in Eugene,” he said.
Admission is $4 for students and $7 for community members. Tickets are on sale at the EMU Ticket Office and at the door Saturday night.