The Bollywood Ball, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, is set to dazzle attendees with an enchanting showcase of Bollywood’s finest.
To be held on 21 September at Templer’s Mill on CSU Orange Campus, this much-anticipated annual event has quickly become a highlight at Charles Sturt University’s Orange campus.
Organised by the Indian Cultural Society (ICS), the ball showcases colours, music, and dance of Bollywood. It also brings together the local and university communities in a celebration of diversity. Secretary of the ICS, Himanya Sajnani, shares her insights into the event’s growing popularity, the challenges of putting it together, and its impact on the community.
“It started with the idea of bringing people together,” Himanya reflects. The Bollywood Ball began as a response to student demand for an event that combined food, dancing, and celebration, all within the unique context of Indian culture.
“Last year was the first time we organised it, and it had the theme of a ‘big fat Indian wedding,’ which was a huge hit,” she says. “It’s exciting to see how much it’s grown. This year, we’re expecting 80-90 people, which is an increase from last year. The interest from both students and the wider community has been amazing.”
This year’s theme, Bollywood Glitz and Glam, promises to be just as dazzling. “We’ve gone all out with the decorations, including a red carpet and a balloon arch,” she explains with excitement. The performances, too, have been a labour of love, with members of the ICS committee dressing up as iconic Bollywood characters.
“We started preparing for the performances three months ago. Choreographing the dances and rehearsing every week has been a lot of fun but also a lot of work. The whole committee has really put in the effort to make it an unforgettable night.”
Food, of course, plays a central role in the celebration. “The menu is being catered by Mathil Rasoi, a local Indian restaurant, and we’ve got a buffet featuring everything from katori chaat to butter chicken,” Himanya shares.
The variety of dishes reflects the rich culinary traditions of India, giving attendees a true taste of the country. “Food is such a huge part of our culture, and sharing it with others is one of the ways we connect,” she adds.
One of the key aspects of the Bollywood Ball is its role in fostering community spirit. “It’s not just for Indian or Indian-Australian students. Anyone can come and enjoy the music, dancing, and food,” Himanya points out. “It’s a chance for everyone, regardless of their background, to come together and celebrate. For the South Asian students at CSU, it’s a way to feel connected to their culture, but it also extends beyond that to include the entire Orange community.”
The support from local businesses has been instrumental in making the event a success. “We’ve had so many businesses in town come forward with sponsorships, providing food, gift vouchers, and even prizes for the games we have planned,” Himanya says gratefully.
Sponsors like Priceline, Zambreros, Mathil Rasoi, and Namaste Groceries have all contributed to bringing the event to life. “We worked hard to build partnerships with these businesses, offering them advertising and promotion in exchange for their support. Their involvement has really made a difference.”
While organising such an event is rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. “It’s a lot of work to coordinate everything,” Himanya admits. “From managing the performers and the DJ to securing sponsorships and ensuring the food and decorations are perfect—it takes a lot of planning. This year, with more attendees and more performances, the scale is bigger, so the logistics have been more complex.”
Despite the challenges, there’s a deep sense of pride in what the committee has achieved. “We’re proud of how far this event has come in just two years,” Himanya says. “The community support has been overwhelming, and seeing everyone come together to celebrate makes it all worthwhile.”
Looking ahead, Himanya has big plans for the future of the Bollywood Ball. “We want to make it even bigger next year. Our goal is to involve more performers from different backgrounds and continue to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses,” she shares. The vision is clear: to keep growing the event while maintaining the strong sense of community and cultural pride that defines it.
For Himanya, being involved in the Indian Cultural Society has been a personal journey of connection and growth. “I joined the executive committee this year after attending events in 2023. I loved the social aspect and the opportunity to celebrate my culture with others. Being part of the ICS and organising the Bollywood Ball has been a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories,” she reflects.
The Bollywood Ball has become more than just a night of glitz and glamour—it’s a celebration of heritage, diversity, and community spirit. It offers a space for cultural expression, where people from all walks of life can come together and share in the joy of music, dance, and food. As the event continues to grow, it’s clear that it will remain a cherished tradition at CSU and a highlight of the Orange community calendar for years to come.
“Events like this are so important for promoting cultural diversity and inclusion,” Himanya concludes. “They give everyone a chance to experience something new, appreciate different traditions, and come together as a community. That’s what the Bollywood Ball is all about.”
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