CU Raaga’s ‘Classical Night’: A showcase of Indian classical art
In partnership with the Hindu Student Association, CU Raaga put on “Classical Night,” an event featuring different styles of Indian classical music and dance performed by Columbia students.
Photography provided by CU Raaga
January 3, 2024
Beautiful dance performances, unique violin tones, and samosas and chai were some of the sights, sounds, and smells that I enjoyed at CU Raaga’s “Classical Night.”
The event, which took place in November, featured Columbia student performances of various styles of Indian classical music and dance. Board member, violinist, and singer Tanisha Shrivatsa (BC ‘26) characterized it as “a really special night where we can perform art that has been passed on for generations for a big audience like the Columbia community.”
Various members of the Barnard community performed, including Anika Hadap (BC ‘28), who performed the Northern Indian traditional dance “Kathak,” in which strong hand movements and facial expressions are used as a form of storytelling. Other Barnard community members also performed, including Sakhi Kulkarni (BC ‘28), Sandhya Mahadevan (BC ‘28), Arithra Das (BC ‘28), and Janani Rajeshwar (BC ‘28).
Raaga holds a significant position in the Columbia community as a whole. “As someone who didn’t have access to this many people with a shared background and interests, this is a really important community to me,” said Nikhil Mudumbi (CC ‘27), secretary for the Hindu Students Organization. These art forms also “play a quintessential role in Hinduism,” Mudumbi said, referencing the religion shared amongst many of the performers.
There were also some unexpected performances that night, including a Bharatanatyam performance, a dance form that originated in Southern India, by Dr. Athira Menon. Dr. Menon is an astrophysicist researcher who is currently a lecturer teaching Frontiers of Science at Columbia University. A professor performing at Classical Night “shows that people who love this form keep doing it. It’s such a huge part of our lives that we can’t just give it up no matter how busy or committed to other things we are,” says Hadap.
In addition to Bharatanatyam performances, there was a tabla drum performance, which originated in Northern India. These different art forms attest to the diversity of CU Raaga and shows how the club is bringing the Desi community at Columbia together. Groups that might be separated by marginal differences, are united by a shared heritage and passion for the arts.
“Classical Night” was an unbelievably beautiful culmination of culture and passion. It was special and nostalgic to see art forms performed live, which I have only ever watched on TV. The performances brought me back to Saturday mornings with my dad, but also exposed me to something deeper. Growing up, I was only really exposed to Indian culture from afar, almost like an onlooker. Being at “Classical Night,” and watching dance forms that originated in places that my ancestors lived, immediately connected me to a culture and place that I have been distanced from for so long. That feeling is something that I really cherished.
There will be many more enriching art performances like Classical Night throughout the upcoming Spring semester, so take advantage of the incredible opportunity to learn about these different art forms while simultaneously taking a break from classes and expanding your horizons.