By Ben Gonzalez

The Pakistani Student Association (PSA) hosted their annual cultural showcase in the Stamp Student Union Grand Ballroom Nov. 30.

Though “Mehndi Night” has gone by different names over the years, the goal remains the same: share Pakistani culture with the University of Maryland campus community and beyond.

Event organizer Misbah Khan, a senior accounting and finance double major, shared what went into organizing the event.

“It was definitely a community effort,” Khan said. “We got a bunch of different acts, both local and from different schools. We got local students to do henna for our different guests.”

 Zeshawn Manzoor, vice president of the Pakistani Student Association, a senior computer science major, said the evening is meant for both learning and fun.

“The significance of this event is just for people to get a taste of Pakistani culture,” Manzoor, a senior computer science major, said. “It’s for them to have an idea of what our history is like, our experiences with Mehndi artists, Pakistani performance, Pakistani food, Pakistani dances and new friends.”

Khan shared similar remarks.

“We definitely wanted to share a piece of our culture,” he said. “This is a really important part of Pakistani weddings, and [we wanted] to just show that to the community and show them everything we have to give and have everyone enjoy and celebrate with us.”

Danyaal Jafrani, a recent alumnus of the University of Maryland and former PSA officer, showed up to Mehndi Night to show his support.

“The board was putting on a cultural event, so I thought I might as well come by,” Danyaal said. “I just come back every year because it’s the main event of the semester, so it’s just a good way to meet people and get in touch with the cultural element.”

Reid Buskirk, a sophomore English and government and politics double major and member of the Student Government Association finance committee, attended to see what kinds of events organizations that receive SGA funding can put on.

“I thought it’d be interesting to come out and see what it’s like,” Buskirk said. “First and foremost, I’m definitely looking to engage with the Pakistani culture.”

Shaheer Ahmad, a sophomore fire protection engineering major, had attended PSA events in the past and wanted to come to Mehndi Night to meet up with friends he had made at prior events.

“Last year, I came to a couple of these events, and they were pretty fun,” Ahmad said. “I haven’t been to a lot of events this year specifically, but I just wanted to come out to this one.”

Freshman computer science major Anumta Ali, shared her biggest incentive for attending Mehndi Night.

“The food,” she said. “I mean, making friends, but the food.”