Arwa Pathari's arms were covered with intricate, flowing patterns of flowers and leaves done in delicate black henna paste.
The pre-med sophomore raved about the United Society of South Asians, which sponsored Monday's henna table outside of the Memorial Union.
"They're amazing," Pathari said. "They do a lot of hard work for good causes."
Nidhi Shah, president of the society, which is hosting a culture week through Saturday, said she has been designing henna tattoos for as long as she can remember. Henna tattoos are made out of a mixture of tea and henna leaves, which leave a temporary orange-colored stain on the skin. They are popular at Indian weddings and special occasions but also in everyday life, Shah said.
But Shah and other members of the society do far more than design tattoos.
The non-profit organization represents six countries: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
While there aren't always members from all six countries in the club, four countries are represented this year, Shah said. There are club members who represent India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
"We have a very diverse group this year," she said.
The club puts on a variety of events and parties, and donates all money collected to charities, Shah said.
This Saturday's party is desi(RED), which will feature music from hip hop to bhangra, a style of music from the Punjab region which combines contemporary and traditional types of music. The proceeds will go to the RED and Global Funds to raise money for AIDS in Africa, Shah said.
Priya Patel, an undeclared sophomore, said USSA blends cultures.
One way it does this is by playing a variety of music at parties, she said.
"They have the best ability to incorporate the Western culture into [Asian] culture," she said.
The club's purpose is to bring two worlds together and to open up to other cultures while sharing their own, Shah said.
Patel enjoys belonging to an organization that does traditional south Asian activities.
"We can have holi picnics here, and people know what they are," she said.
Holi picnics are part of a springtime Indian festival that celebrates friendship and prosperity. People throw colored powder on each other in celebration, Shah said.
The society is hosting a holi picnic Friday at Kiwanis Park.
But many group members' favorite event is Garba, a type of dance. It originated in Gujurat, India, where people celebrate a nine-day dance festival.
"Everyone usually goes to it," Pathari said.
This week's events are part of the society's "Bite the Mango" culture week.
The group got the idea from an English film festival of the same name, which Shah said they found "really catchy."
"Mangoes are a huge deal for Asians, especially during monsoon season," Shah said.
The events include a viewing of Bend it Like Beckham, a healthy living workshop, a Bollywood dance and belly dance workshop, a holi picnic and a cultural show. All events are free and open to the public, except for the desi(RED) party. Tickets are $5 to $8.
Reach the reporter at: aimee.tucker@asu.edu.
