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WINDOW ON CANADA - EVENT REPORT

Sanskriti: A Journey to the Soul of East Indian Culture

By Laveena Munshi - McMaster University

As the soft sounds erupted into a thunderous, energetic tabla beat, we all sat at the edge of our seats, caught up in the hypnotic rhythm. The audience was then further drawn into the story depicted by the gracious movements of the classical dancers. A fusion of classical Indian dance and music filled the night with a mesmerizing array of culture.  

Sanskriti, the event which featured some of the most talented artist in East-Indian voice, instrumental, and dance, was organized by Anjalee Gupta, a McMaster Arts and Science Student, in response to the destruction of the Hamilton Hindu Samaj Temple. Gupta  had grown up with the temple, and therefore, the news of the events surrounding its destruction had a deep impact upon her.  Because the temple was a profound part of Gupta’s life, organizing this fundraiser was a method by which she could contribute to not only the restoration of the temple, but to the Hindu community as a whole.  The McMaster event was sponsored by the McMaster Ontario Public Interest Research Group.

The evening opened with the sonorous voice of Azalea Ray, a classical East-Indian vocalist and musician. Ray recreated the great vocal aesthetics of India in its purest form and delighted the audience with her heavenly voice.  

Azalea Ray, Indian classical singer, with Gurpreet Singh Channa, tabla artist

Next, Nisha Thampi blew the audience away with her Bharathanatyam performance, one of the oldest forms of pure Indian Classical dance.  Thampi’s spiritual performance highlighted the ritual association of dance with the Hindu religion. Adrenalin rushed through the audience with Satinder Mangat’s dhol performance. Punjabi bhangra beats from his loud and energetic drum filled the room throughout his act.  

Nisha Thampi performing a Bharathanatyam dance

Following an intermission of Indian snacks and Mehndi art, we were further treated with the instrumental blend of Onkar Singh and Gurpreet Singh Chana. Chana accompanied Singh with his tabla expertise and together created a passionate blend of Indian music. 

Finally, a spectacular Odissi Indian dance performance ended the night leaving a suspension of spiritual excitement in the air.  Tanya Raha, having an avid passion for Odissi Classical dance, brought the audience onto their feet in applause following her intense and energetic performance.

Tanya Raha during her Odissi Dance performance

One of the most intriguing themes of the evening was diversity.  All the performers came from unique regions, backgrounds and interests of Indian culture.

Not only was diversity experienced throughout the performances, but the event succeeded in attracting a diverse crowd making the event one that was community wide.  Although it was a tragic event that brought everyone together that evening, through the performances, we experienced the unifying, cohesive and spiritual uplifting strength of the East Indian culture. Not only was the auditorium filled to capacity, but the audience’s response throughout the night reflected the emotionally charged nature of the performances.

The evening succeeded in raising $3,500 for the rebuilding of the temple. The federal government made a bid to match it dollar for dollar amounting to a total of $7,000.  What was especially important was the student-lead initiative that this event was founded upon. Gupta’s efforts not only highlights the importance of maintaining ties with one’s culture while living in our multi-cultural society, but also the advantages of sharing its beauty with others.

Despite the events surrounding the of temple, the evening was a subtle yet profound means of raising awareness around issues as diversity, tolerance, and appreciation for cultural differences.   Loving gatherings such as Sanskiriti helps sustain the community through troubled times and allows us to move on in a healthy and open-minded way.