PaksMIT, a Pakistani cultural group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), held a spectacular event this past Saturday evening in an effort to promote the richness and diversity of Pakistani culture. The event, named Rawaj and organized primarily by the group’s President, Muneeza Patel, included traditional and non-traditional Pakistani musical performances, vocal performances, dance routines, awareness speeches, a nicely prepared meal, and a fashion show towards the end. Needless to say, a lot of effort and coordination went into running the night smoothly—which it absolutely did.
Upon arriving at the event, hopeful attendants discovered that the event had, in fact, sold out and that nobody else would be permitted to enter. However, two of the kind women working at the ticketing desk allowed my friend and I in due to the fact that we had shown up two hours prior and had agreed to wait in the hopes that there would be extra space. It takes a mix of firmness and grace in order to turn some attendees away while admitting others, and it was much appreciated by my friend and I. Luckily, there was just enough space to be able to enjoy and experience a night of cultural explorations.
Upon entering, I saw a man seated in the middle of a dimly lit stage playing a sitar, accompanied by a sort of percussion instrument reminiscent of bongos. After a couple of awareness speeches raising awareness and aid for the detrimental effects of environmental and cultural crises, a meal was offered. Spiced chicken and rice ignited taste buds throughout the auditorium and a traditional dessert was offered afterwards. I would say this was a highlight of the night. Personally, I have never seen such organized serving of food take place and, while it was only a small component of the larger event, I appreciated this. Remember those third grade birthday parties and racing your classmates for that last piece of cake? Not here! Order and respect was emphasized throughout performances as well as meals.
Towards the end of the event, groups such as Boston Bhangra performed extremely well-choreographed dance routines followed by a stunning fashion show including designs from Labels, Munib Nawaz, Agha Noor, and Fnkasia. Outfits included evening wear, formal wear, and other beautifully crafted outfits for both men and women. In celebration of a night well-orchestrated, performance members and models from the fashion show stormed the audience and summoned audience members onto the stage to dance freely. PaksMIT had a little something for everyone in store this past weekend—and hopefully only more to come!
