Excitement Builds for Diwali: IMSA’s Indian Culture Show to Feature Dances, Food, and More

As the fall season kicks off at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), students are eagerly awaiting one of the school’s most beloved annual events: Diwali, the Indian culture show. Scheduled to take place in early November, Diwali will bring together students, teachers, and families for an unforgettable evening of vibrant dance performances and a feast of authentic Indian cuisine. Diwali offers students the chance to celebrate and share Indian culture with the entire school community. The event primarily features dance performances of different groups– from authentic Bhangra style dance to more modern Bollywood dances.

One of the event’s choreographers, Fatema Shikora, spoke about the importance of incorporating both of those dance forms. “We wanted to show the depth of Indian culture through our performances, so we’re trying to have a variety of choregraphies and different aspects of Indian culture highlighted in the music,” she explained. “It’s a great way to celebrate and make it fun and engaging for everyone.”

Shikora, who is choreographing the junior group dance, also emphasized the effort involved in preparing for the show. “Yeah, it’s definitely not easy,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s all worth it. We’re not just dancing—we’re sharing a part of who we are.”

The choreography teams have been hard at work since the start of the school year, crafting routines before rehearsals start. Another student choreographer, Muskaan Kapur, discussed the challenges of coordinating such a large event, “Managing my time with choreographing is really hard. ” Kapur said. “Like I have an idea in my head of how well I want to do this, but I also want to do well in my classes and clubs and hang out with my friends so it’s all about time management.”

When asked about her goals for the performance, Kapur shared, “I hope the audience feels the passion and dedication that went into these dances. We want them to feel like they’re dancing up there with us.”

In addition to the performances, Jalsa will also feature a dinner that promises to be just as much of a highlight as the dances. Attendees will be treated to a variety of traditional Indian dishes, offering a flavorful conclusion to the evening. From savory samosas to authentic chicken biryanis, the menu is designed to give everyone a taste of India’s yummy cuisine..

“Food is such a big part of Indian culture, and it brings people together,” said Anaika Bhagta, one of the event organizers. “We want the dinner to complement the performances and create a sense of community. It’s a way to end the night on a high note—sharing good food with good company.”

For many students, Jalsa is more than just a night of entertainment—it’s a meaningful way to connect with their heritage and share it with their peers. Shreshta Ghanta, a junior at IMSA, reflected on how the event has impacted her during her time at the school, “Jalsa was one of my favorite events from my sophomore year,” Ghanta said. “It’s a way for me to connect with my roots and also show my friends the beauty of Indian culture. I think it’s important for people to experience these kinds of events because they help foster cultural understanding.”

With just a few weeks to go, the anticipation for Diwali is building. Students and faculty alike are looking forward to an evening that celebrates the vibrancy, diversity, and richness of Indian culture.

“The energy between all of us is amazing, and we’re all counting down the days,” Shikora said. “I think it’s going to be an amazing night.”