The Daf is an ancient Persian frame drum used commonly in folk and classical music. The Dammam is a double-headed cylinder drum used in Iraq and Iran for religious ceremonies. The oud is a fretless string instrument; the Iranian version is smaller, and has a long, rich history within the culture.<\/p>\n
Assadi is a local Iranian musician who teaches Farsi and music in the elementary school system.<\/p>\n \u201cAs an Iranian, we\u2019ve also been going through this war. This Persian New Year has been in a different spirit because the people are mourning, Assadi said. \u201cThey don\u2019t know what is going to happen. The music we play serves as a way to stand with the people for togetherness.\u201d<\/p>\n Assadi expressed the importance of sharing his own culture at an event like SWANA\u2019s \u201cKickoff: Cultural Showcase,\u201d sharing moments of togetherness with other cultures and people. . In his case, he said he uses music as a tool for that freedom.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can use music as a powerful tool to show the work of our culture and influence people with the sound of our music, to show people they can also speak up and foster a healthier community so that everyone can talk about freedom,\u201d Assadi said. \u201cWe have people from Palestine, Iran and other countries here. This community is very important in Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n Palestinian American artist Paige Austin, owner of Wandering Camel Goods<\/a>, sells everything from custom pottery necklaces to postcards decorated with various countries.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always been kind of crafty,\u201d Austin said, \u201cThat\u2019s what initially sparked my motivation, but I was also really passionate about being an activist for Palestine. I thought, \u2018What better way to show the world the beauty of our culture than with art?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Austin uses broken pieces of Palestinian pottery from vendors, incorporating them into delicate metalwork. The pottery is sourced from Hebron, Palestine, with every piece of jewelry bringing a unique pattern, shape and color to the shop.<\/p>\n Walking around the SWANA kickoff event, students were greeted with a variety of food, music and fun activities. The event had full catering, serving iced tea, mint-infused lemonade, vegetable skewers, falafel bites, dolmas and tabbouleh salad.<\/p>\n Students stood around tables, enjoying their food and exploring the eight vendors scattered across the University Union Ballroom. Vendors sold everything from custom perfumes and embroidered clothing to snacks and decorative prints.<\/p>\n Souzan Morrar\u2019s booth offered various perfumes and scents for sale. Her business, Scented Moments Perfume and Oud Bar<\/a>, mixes its scents and perfumes in-house, acquiring the materials they need from abroad.<\/p>\n Besides vendor offerings, students could talk with Sana\u2019s Henna Designs<\/a> and receive custom henna.<\/p>\n Near the entrance of the University Ballroom, a small decorative olive tree stood next to the informational booth for the SWANA Center. Students were tasked with writing notes that answered two questions, then hanging them on the olive tree\u2019s branches, symbolizing new beginnings. They reflected on \u201cwhat are you rooted in?\u201d and \u201cwhat are you reaching toward?\u201d<\/p>\n Aurungzaib Shahzada, a graduate student majoring in psychology, felt it is important to have events and activities like this for the SWANA community.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause the region has always had a background of turmoil or political unrest, having a space to appreciate the cultural qualities, food, gatherings, and the best parts of it \u2013 without having to separate it from the political aspects \u2013 is really important,\u201d Shahzada said.<\/p>\n Shahzada also said having the SWANA Center as a resource on campus is good to foster a sense of community for students.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents felt like they didn\u2019t have a central branch connected directly to the university,\u201d Shahzada said. \u201cSo having a cultural center that\u2019s an actual branch of the university is important and needed.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: First-ever SWANA festival celebrates culture with regional treats and music <\/a><\/p>\n The SWANA Center<\/a> is located in the Academic Resource Center (AIRC<\/a>) in Room 1012. It offers a quiet space for students to hang out, study and connect with the community. The room is always stocked with coffee, tea and snacks.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to work on homework or connect with other students, as well as organize your own events, this is the place,\u201d Shahzada said.<\/p>\n The SWANA Center is continuing the celebration the rest of the week, with a cafe event today from 12 to 2 p.m. and a reception on Friday, April 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Embed-1-3-600x446.jpg\")
Decorated with flags, necklaces made from Palestinian pottery and custom-printed postcards, the Wandering Camel Goods booth awaits customers Monday, April 6, 2026. Students could purchase custom jewelry, stickers and postcards from Paige Austin, the shop owner. (Photo by Julian Panela<\/a>)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Embed-2-4-600x342.jpg\")
Perfumes are offered by Scented Moments Perfume and Oud Bar Monday, April 6, 2026. Souzan Morrar carefully mixes and creates her perfumes in-house, carefully selecting the top, middle and low notes to give each one its distinct smell. (Photo by Julian Panela<\/a>)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Embed-3-4-600x367.jpg\")
A tray of vegetable skewers is offered at the SWANA Center\u2019s \u201cKickoff: Cultural Showcase\u201d Monday, April 6, 2026. Vegetable skewers, or kebabs, are made up of various vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash. (Photo by Julian Panela<\/a>)<\/p>\n