In the space of five years, MASTANA grew to become the largest cultural event held within the City of Cambridge, a showpiece of the richness and diversity of sub-continental culture. Here some MASTANA alumni reminisce about how it all happened...

The first ever MASTANA took place way back in the last century, with the Matriculation class of '96 at the helm. At that time CUHCS might have seemed like any other average sized society - warm, friendly and open with relatively small meetings and events. It was reaching stagnation, with the same old faces and events, and was looking for a new lease of life. Some of the then 'freshers' (and now 'geriatrics') had helped to run cultural shows before University, so it seemed like a natural progression. Little did they know what they had started...

After great difficulty, we convinced Emmanuel to let us use their Old Library as the venue for the first MASTANA. From that moment the event was set and every day till March 7th 1997 was utter chaos and excitement! There was an incredible atmosphere of dedication, commitment and sacrifice. Everything was done from scratch - acts, posters, acetates, tickets, programmes, food, costumes - the whole lot. Somehow it all seemed to fit together and we managed to sell all the tickets (and more!) the day before the event. The atmosphere was simply electrifying, and the audience were left in awe. The biggest question after the event was 'Will you be doing it again?' And so MASTANA was born.

Cambridge is very fortunate to have one of the most culturally rich Indian student communities in the country. One of the greatest things about MASTANA is that it brings out dormant talent. It has grown astronomically since the first show, and everyone involved over the years has many fond memories of the food, the rehearsals, the overall buildup and the small technical 'issues' which always seem to arise at the most amusing moments.

MASTANA has grown in size and stature, but in all the shows (and we hope in the ones yet to come) there have been a number of core features. MASTANA is a perfect example of the 'unity in diversity' of the Hindu Dharma. It celebrates culture from all parts of the subcontinent, and brings people across the university together to share the richness of our heritage and our modern day identity.

MASTANA wouldn't be MASTANA without Sewa (selfless service). Charity has always been core to our values and the funds raised have been used to support many worthy causes. However, most of all MASTANA embodies the spirit of CUHCS, as a fun, vibrant and bustling society which continues to grow from strength to strength.