Seventh Annual Ghungroo Promises To Be Best Ever

By Shawn Zeller '97

Special to the Gazette

With the grand success of the Denzel Washington-hosted Cultural Rhythms extravaganza at Sanders Theatre last Saturday, many of those lucky enough to see the diverse ethnic performances in that show will be happy to know that Harvard will continue to celebrate its vast array of cultural traditions this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the seventh annual Ghungroo.

Named for a type of bell that is tied to the ankle and known for its rich and unique sound, Ghungroo celebrates the dance, song, and humor of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Sponsored by the South Asian Association, Ghungroo will mark the culmination of a four-year involvement with Ghungroo by directors Gaurav Shah '96 and Trin Mitra '96.

The Biggest and Best Ghungroo Ever

Although Ghungroo never fails to sell out, this year's show promises to be a special treat. This year's production will be the biggest ever, with approximately 100 student performers. In addition, this year's show, according to Shah and Mitra, will be full of surprises beyond those of years past. A Thursday night performance has been added to satisfy the expected demand.

The show, which will begin each night at 7:30 and end around 10, will feature a variety of South Asian dances, songs, and comedy routines. The dances will include traditional folk favorites and modern adaptations of both the bhangra and the dandia raas. The performers will sing some bhajans -- Hindu devotional songs -- as well as some Hindi film songs. In addition, the show will include comedic skits about South Asian and South Asian-American life.

Shah expressed his enthusiasm: "This show will mark the peak of a four-year effort on the part of the directors. We want to go out with a bang, and the entire group has been working day and night to ensure the show's success."

The South Asian Association

All proceeds from the three performances will go to support programs run by the South Asian Association. The association, with a membership of about 300, is one of the most community-oriented ethnic organizations on campus. In years past, the SAA has organized a college prep workshop for Asian high school students in Lowell, taken part in Harvard's interethnic service day in the city of Boston, and cosponsored an immigration forum.

In addition, the group sponsors regular social events, academic forums featuring experts on South Asia, and each term publishes the South Asia Journal, featuring academic, literary, and artistic work relating to the South Asian diaspora. The co-presidents of the SAA, Vikaas Sohal '97 and Srishti Gupta '97, are the producers of Ghungroo.

Tickets for the performances, to be held at Agassiz Theatre, are $5 in advance and $6 at the door (Friday and Saturday), or $4 (Thursday). Tickets can be purchased at the Holyoke Center Ticket Office and at Agassiz Theatre.