The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed Guests at India Night were treated to traditional dance, music and authentic Indian cuisine. The event was held in the LaSells Stewart Center and put on by ISOSU.

A horde of Corvallis residents and OSU students filled the LaSells Stewart Center Sunday for India Night 2007, an annual event produced by the OSU Indian Student Association (ISA).

For the $6 ticket, guests were treated to a multitude of authentic Indian food, drink, and entertainment ranging from music and dance to videos and jokes.

"I'm very, very excited," said Sangeet Lal, president of the ISA and co-host for the event. "[India Night] has a good reputation in the community."

Sushim Koshti, former vice president of the ISA and sound and light operator for this year's show, was thrilled as well.

"It's a huge event," said Koshti. "The Indian community looks forward to this every year. It allows Indians to showcase their talents."

The evening began with the inagurational candle lighting with OSU president Dr. Edward Ray and a speech by ISA faculty advisor Dr. Jeffery Greenwood.

The show continued with performances of the Indian and American national anthems, traditonal Indian songs, and dance routines invloving folks of all ages, some as young as 6.

The night was cut in half by an hour-long intermission where guests were treated to an authentic Indian dinner consisting of everything from vegetable puffs to aloo gobi (an Indian curry with a combination of potato, cauliflower, and spices) and kesar lassi (a drink consisting of yogurt, water, sugar, salt, saffron flavor, and spices).

Preparation for the dinner was provided by dozens of volunteers and began Saturday afternoon in order to feed all 1400 guests.

After intermission, the show progressed with more song and dance, and finished an Indian fashion show exhibiting many diverse costumes and styles from different regions of India.

"I enjoyed [the event]," said Yaney MacIver of Corvallis. MacIver, a first time attendee, enjoyed the dances most.

Chinmay Betrabet, 45, also appreciated the extravaganza.

"There were some pretty lively dances," Betrabet said. He has attended India Night for several years now.

As usual, the ISA Core Committee was responsible for producing this year's show. The committee, which normally consists of eight members, was extended to 14 members specifically to help out with the event.

"We hope you enjoy it," said Lal. "We look forward to hearing the response from the community."

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