A colorful night of culture

Lifted by his peers, Shrey Patel surfs above the crowd.

BY KAYLEE WEINGARTEN

Student Life Editor

On April 10, the Asian American Club hosted the annual Mock Shaadi event in the cafeteria. The night displayed colorful decorations, cultural attire, delicious food, group performances, and dancing.

Mock Shaadi celebrates an important part of Asian American culture, and this event gave students, staff, and AAC board members a chance to share and bond over their culture. “It helps people learn about desi culture through food, clothes and dances,” said co-president Tajnim Ahammed.

AAC board members and music welcomed guests as they entered the event. “It was amazing seeing all the colorful decorations and seeing all the hard work put in, and I loved seeing everyone dressed up and having fun,” said Riddhi Patel.

Jenna Malik and Angelina Shrestha take a selfie together.

Before the festivities commenced, guests ate dinner, buffet style Indian food from Cumin N Eat. “The malai kofta and samosas were my favorite,” said Esha Mehta.

For entertainment, guests watched many different dances, ranging from duets and solos to the K-Pop dance group and the Class of 2026 senior dance. “We held multiple dance practices to make sure our performance was nearly perfect because we wanted to show that important part of our culture,” said Patel, who kicked off the performances in a duet with Esha Mehta.

Elizabeth Donou, Saemoon Salman, Zainab Khan, Riya Kohli, Harpreet Mahli, Tazeem Channa, and Ananya Durairaj pose for a group photo in front of the Mock Shaadi backdrop.

Towards the end of the night, Co-President of the AAC Ved Patel announced the Mock Shaadi King and Queen, elected by their peers, Kristen Zerrudo and Arjun Minhas. “Being crowned Mock Shaadi Queen made me so happy because it showed me how much support I have from my friends and peers,” said Zerrudo. “This moment with Arjun will be a core memory I’ll never forget.”

The hard work from the AAC made this event truly unforgettable. “I enjoyed dancing with all my friends, seeing everyone all dressed up, and just having a good time, and I am so excited to do it again next year,” said Patel.

Dhyan Patel, Saad Zia, Nicholas Mutarelli, and Ahil Vistro enjoy each others’ company on the dance floor.
Tristan Panday, Shourya Sheth, Samaksh Goel, Tristan Vendel, Ved Patel, Shrey Patel, Ved Patel, Arjun Minhas, Ilan Khapchik, and Ahil Vistro pose for a group photo.
Caylee Salica and Loksze Wang strike a pose during the K-Pop groups medley performance.
Kristen Zerrudo and Arjun Minhas slow dance after being crowned King and Queen.
Anya Kaul hits a move in her group dance.