The Indian Subcontinent Student Association hosted its spring semester Indian Night celebration at Southeast Missouri State University Feb. 26.

The event attracted at least 600 students and spectators, according to the ISSA vice president Meet Patel. The night featured many carefully planned events, including drama skits, stand-up comedy and various dance routines.

The ISSA hosts Indian Night each semester in an effort to share Indian culture with Southeast students and celebrate cultural diversity across campus.

The night started slow, introducing some skits featuring members of the ISSA and moved on to a stand-up comedy routine by Southeast student Mayank Sood.

The celebration picked up speed with many robust dance performances, showcasing traditional and modern Indian dance. A banquet of traditional Indian food also was provided.

The remainder of the night consisted of dancing, raffle giveaways and a photo booth for free use. While the event had many various key points, most of the guests agreed that the food was the highlight of the evening.

A yearly tradition for the association, Indian Night has grown in popularity over the years.

"Since [the] last five years, it's a huge success," Patel said. "Last year we received at most ... 500 to 600 people. People love the Indian food and Bollywood dance. People love dancing -- the Indian music, the beat goes on ... so people like it."

In addition to the growing popularity of Indian cuisine and dance, the recent use of social media has played an important factor in spreading the word about the organization and Indian Night.

"We use technology to spread [awareness] because people can know that through Facebook and other things," ISSA treasurer Rutvi Zalawadia said.

The public relations students on the ISSA executive board have stepped up in finding ways to increase awareness of their campus group.

The event requires support because it is completely not-for-profit.

"We got funding from Student Government, RHA (Residence Hall Association) and DICE (Dollars for Innovative Campus Events)," ISSA associate Ronaksingh Tahkur said. "We got some free food from Namaskar too ... and we are using that funding to get some good authentic Indian food so people can know what authentic Indian food tastes like."

The large variety of food served at the event was provided by the catering services of St. Louis-based restaurant Signature India as well as local Indian restaurant Namaskar.

The next Indian Night is scheduled for the fall semester, and expectations are high that it will be more successful than the last.