CDS Lights up the Night with Namaste India
The Upper School Indian Culture Club brought Namaste India to life, filling the evening with vibrant energy and color. From lively Bhangra and Bollywood performances to hands-on crafts and a festive buffet, the celebration truly lit up the night at CDS.
Our Upper School Indian Culture Club brought the vibrance of India to Carrollwood Day School with Namaste India, a celebration that transformed the campus on Friday night, November 7th, as nearly 200 guests arrived in brilliantly vibrant attire, ready to be swept up in the energy of the evening.
The night began in the theater, where our emcees, Nishant S. '27 and Ayaan B. '27, welcomed the crowd with engaging humor and insightful knowledge. They opened the evening by reminding everyone that India’s cultural roots stretch back more than 4,500 years, as one of the oldest civilizations in the world, where music and rhythm have always been woven into the stories of empires, devotion, and heritage.
The night wasn’t just about performances; it took our community on a journey - from dances that have been performed for centuries, to the modern Bollywood style that captivate audiences worldwide. It celebrated the beauty of Indian heritage while highlighting the values that connect us all, no matter our background.
Every dance group that stepped onto the stage featured students from CDS, representing not only their skill, but the pride they carry in sharing pieces of their culture. The entire evening itself was student organized, powered by months of planning, dedication, and leadership from our Indian Culture Club student team.
The rhythmic beats of Desi Dhamaka, took the stage first, featuring Saaya A. '26. The crowd roared the moment the first note hit, cheering through every formation and moment of drama. Prisha P. '26, Sahana A. '27, and Tanisha G. '26 then took the stage, representing Rangeela Raas from the Academy of Odissi Dance. They performed a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, celebrated during the festival of Navratri. The dancers moved with vibrant color and energy, and the audience followed every strike of the dandiya sticks and every shift in rhythm, completely swept up in the performance. And just when the applause felt like it couldn’t grow any louder, ASAP Bhangra, featuring Sahana C. '27, Simmon C. '26, and Isha D. '26, brought the spirit of Punjab to a whole new level, hands in the air, people clapping in rhythm across the entire audience.
Before the final performance, Nishant and Ayaan paused to share the story of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, bringing the audience deeper into the meaning behind the diyas they would later follow outside. They spoke of ancient kingdoms and the victory of light over darkness, and how Diwali remains a celebration of unity, renewal, and connection for families across India and around the world, even for those celebrating thousands of miles away from home.
When the grand Bollywood finale, featuring Sahana C. '27, Sahana A. '27, Tanisha G. '26, Prisha P. '26, Amara M. '27, and Isha D. '26 ended, the celebration continued beyond the stage. Guests stepped outside and followed the glowing pathway of diyas, through Wimbledon, to the Bridge, where creativity bloomed next.
Students and their families painted diyas and made rakhi bracelets as hands stayed busy, conversations drifted between English and Hindi, and laughter needed no translation.
The night then wrapped up in the Student Union with a dinner buffet catered by Minerva Indian Restaurant, where flavors carried the same electricity and richness that had filled the theater.
Namaste India became more than a cultural performance, It became a night that reminded us that celebration is another way we honor who we are, and who we become together. The energy, imagination, and spirit of India flowed through our campus, leaving everyone inspired and connected long after the lights dimmed.
View the entire Namaste India album HERE.