Classic dances, new twists: Diwali 2026

Isabella Diaz Mira | Managing Photo Editor With nearly 200 performers, 400 hours of preparation, and 1600 viewers, the annual Diwali showcase returns to Edison Theatre this weekend to awe the WashU community. Organized by WashU Ashoka, WashU’s South Asian Student Association, the show celebrates the Hindu festival of lights with music and dance across 11 acts. While many observe Diwali as part of religious tradition, this celebration highlights South Asia’s diverse cultural heritage. “South Asia isn’t just India. And India doesn’t have just one culture. There’s Punjabi culture, Gujarati culture, Tamil, Telugu … the list goes on,” senior Varun Vadhera, Ashoka’s president, said. Over the past 43 years of performances at WashU, the show’s main beats have stayed consistent: a skit from the Hindu Student Association introduces Diwali’s history, the executive board dances while introducing themselves, and the emcees weave a story.

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