More than Karaoke: Students Bring Holi-Inspired Celebration to Campus

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, a group of interns within the Student Leadership Council put on a karaoke and bingo event inspired by Holi. The event served as both a celebration and an opportunity for cultural learning ahead of finals week.

Holi celebrates love, the arrival of spring, and the triumph of good over evil. One of the interns Savannah West said the idea for the event came togetjer somewhat unexpectedly during the planning process.

“I’m studying anthropology, and I love researching different holidays and traditions from other cultures.” West said. “When I was researching holidays while planning, I realized that Holi was on the exact day of our event this year.” 

The intern group voted on the theme before winter break and began planning the event shortly afterward. Because the team did not have members who identified as Hindu or Indian American, West said cultural respect and accuracy became a major priority in the planning process.

Students gather to sing karaoke together.
Photo Credit: Savannah West

“I spent winter break reaching out to organizations and campus resources to make sure we were planning the event in a respectful and culturally appropriate way.” West said.

Savannah contacted several groups, including Indus - Indo-US Friendship organization - a non profit that promotes cultural understanding across the Indian subcontinent, as well as the Indian Student Assocations at OSU and LBCC’s Linn-Benton Community College Office of Equity and Diversity.

Through those connections, she was able to receive feedback on the event’s food, music, and educational elements. 

“One suggestion was to make the food vegetarian since many Holi celebrations feature vegetarian dishes.” West explained. 

The event offered cheese and veggie pizzas, a veggie platter, and kaju katli, a traditional Indian cashew fudge dessert.

West and the team also incorporated an educational display explain Holi traditions and planned for the event to open and close with music typically during Holi celebrations.

“I love introducing people to cultural traditions in ways that feel welcoming and accessible,” West said. “Sometimes people are hesitant to participate in something unfamiliar, but when you create a celebratory atmosphere with food and music, people feel more comfortable coming out and experiencing something new.”

Students continue to gather to socialize while listening to karaoke.
Photo Credit: Savannah West

West credited the inter team and Student Leadership Council advisors for their support.

“Our intern group really handled most of the planning ourselves,” West said. “But whenever issues came up, our advisor Jake was there to help problem solve and support us. 

West also said the experience helped her learn valuable lessons about teamwork and event planning.

“One of the things Jake reminded us is that not everything will go perfectly,” West said. “But every challenge becomes an experience that helps you plan better next time.”

Looking ahead, West hopes hopes to organize more culturally focused event on campus.

“I would absolutely love to help host more cultural and educational celebrations,” she said. “It’s a great way to learn about different traditions and bring people together.”

Students interested in seeing more cultural events on campus are encouraged to share their ideas with the Student Leadership Council.

West can be contacted wests@linnbenton.edu.

Students can also give public comments at General Student Leadership Council meetings and can get meeting information by contacting getinvolved@linnbenton.edu.

Students can also learn more about the Student Leadership Council here.