Tomorrow, the Pacific Northwest’s largest South Asian cultural show, Desi Dhamaka, plans to showcase talents from a diverse group of students. The music, skits and dances unite influences from India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh into one event at the UW.

In Hindi, the word “Desi” means from South Asia and “Dhamaka” signifies blast. Eleven performances are lined up, incorporating traditional and modern elements of South Asian culture.

“This is one event that all [South Asian] organizations put on together and put on as one team,” said Faheem Padela, a coordinator of the event. “We forget about political differences and come together as one student organization and put on this fabulous show.”

In a collaborative effort, the Indian Student Association, Pakistani Student Association, South Asian Student Association and Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity worked to put on the talent show, which highlights the traditions and cultural diversity of South Asia.

Faraz Romani, who is performing as part of the PSA skit, has been preparing since late January. The group holds rehearsals two to three times a week in addition to weekend practices.

“We try to bring in issues,” Romani said. “We tackle the stereotypes that people have about our culture by laughing about stereotypes in our skit.”

Romani became interested in performing after watching Desi Dhamaka in Meany Theater five years ago.

“I used to watch and think this is kind of fun,” he said. “I want to be a part of it. It was a really nice way to get to know about culture and make friends.”

Since its inception six years ago, Desi Dhamaka has attracted larger crowds each year. The event started out in Kane Hall but its popularity brought the show to Meany Theater, which has a capacity close to 1,300. The event is expected to sell out for the fifth year in a row.

“It’s something the community looks forward to each year,” said Anisha Garg, one of the event planners. “People from Western [and] Oregon come to see this show. It’s huge.”

In addition to the show, there is a planned bone marrow registration drive. According to the Puget Sound Blood Center, only 7 percent of the 6 million registered bone marrow donors are Asian or Pacific Islander. Patients from the same ethnic background as the donor are more likely to find a matching bone marrow type, making registration of ethnic minorities especially important.

[Reach contributing writer Emily Lee at development@thedaily.washington.edu]