An eclectic marketplace set up shop in the Student Union lobby Wednesday as several Asian countries showcased their cultures at the Asian Bazaar.
"Asian Bazaar is one of four cultural programs we do throughout the academic year for students throughout the campus," said Teah Sievers, graduate assistant for Student Multicultural Affairs, which coordinated the event with the Student Planning Committee. "The basic purpose is to share Asian cultural awareness and give students an opportunity to learn about the different cultures in Asia."
"The theme of the event this year is 'Marketplace,'" said Sievers.
From noon to 2 p.m., the bazaar echoed with music from all parts of Asia. Large groups of people stopped by to watch Tibetan and Japanese dances amid the vibrant reds and yellows adorning the Union.
The Korean Folk Art Club performed a foot-tapping folk dance with drums and other instruments, followed by a traditional Filipino dance with candles staged by the Filipino American Student Association.
"It's a good experience for people to be exposed to Asian culture," said Kimberly Cheng, a senior business major. "I have participated before, but this is my first time organizing it and it feels great."
Many people queued up to get a taste of Taiwan, China and other Asian cultures with food from Red Pepper restaurant on Maple Road.
Merchandise from different fraternities was sold outside the Student Union.
"My organization, Sigma Lambda Gamma, is representing India," said Nathalia Fotine, a senior international studies major clad in a black sari, the traditional dress for women in India. "It's very good because a lot of people don't know about the marketplace in India and also don't know about the cuisine."
"I'm trying to help students gain knowledge and it's good to learn if you plan to travel," said Fotine.
Sigma Beta Rho represented Bangladesh, and group members drew henna designs on students who visited the table.
"Everybody gets to represent their different ethnicities," said Naweed Haque, a member of Sigma Beta Rho and junior chemical and biological engineering major.
"It's excellent and is a relaxation during the finals week," said Syed Wasi Ahmed, a senior economics major.
Pillow-making proved another major attraction, as people stuffed cotton into traditional clothing and glued it up to a small pillow. Bubble tea was served alongside merchandise from "A Little Princess."
"Asians Americans really aren't seen so much in the spotlight, and through this bazaar people will know more about Asian culture," said Paul Pasco, treasurer of the Filipino American Student Association and sophomore accounting major.
Sigma Psi Zeta represented Japan and displayed information and creative handicrafts. "This is going to help people get involved in Asian culture and have themselves understand more," said Kaity Ko, a member of the organization and junior legal studies major.
"It's a good interaction amongst all Asian groups and cultures," said Ergash Ruzehaji, a freshman pharmacy major.
Student Multicultural Affairs holds four bazaars every year: African, Asian, Native American and Latino.
